Engineer - Vehicle Flight Control & Inertial Navigation Systems

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 105,900 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Dynamics and Controls Engineer for its Vehicle Control and Dynamics Department. The role focuses on flight control systems, 6DoF modeling for undersea vehicles, and Matlab/Simulink software development.

The candidate will design, tune, and validate control algorithms, develop navigation system software, and support lab and field testing with strong emphasis on documentation and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years relevant experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years relevant experience
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 2+ years relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Develop and analyze flight control system requirements and design trade studies
• Create and maintain 6DoF dynamic models for undersea vehicles using Matlab/Simulink
• Design, tune, and validate flight control algorithms and software
• Develop and update navigation algorithms including sensor modeling and analysis
• Develop, debug, and test Matlab/Simulink-based software and data analysis tools with unit/integration tests
• Support lab and field test planning, execution, and data analysis
• Pursue professional development and knowledge sharing with the team
• Contribute to design and analysis of engineering products/systems

Skills

Matlab/Simulink

C/C++

Network communications

Git

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

We are searching for a Dynamics and Controls Engineer to join our Vehicle Control and Dynamics Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

• Develop and analyze flight control system requirements, including system design trade studies
• Create, validate, and maintain 6DoF dynamic system models for undersea vehicles including Software-in-Loop simulations in Matlab/Simulink
• Design, tune, and validate flight control algorithms and software
• Design, analyze, and update Strapdown Inertial Navigation System algorithms including modeling and analysis of navigation sensors
• Develop, debug, and test Matlab/Simulink-based software and data analysis tools, including the creation of unit, integration, and hardware-in-the-loop system tests for vehicle software and documentation of algorithms, specifications, software, and defects.
• Support lab and field test planning, execution, and data analysis
• Proactively seek professional development opportunities
• Proactively share knowledge with team members

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions:

• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
• Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs
• Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
• Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof
• Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Experience using Matlab, Simulink, C, or C++
• Experience in network and serial communications
• Experience in software configuration management systems (ex. GIT)

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Active government security clearance
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
• Excellent time management skills
• Ability to present ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear manner, both internally to peers and management and externally to sponsors and stakeholders
• Ability to work equally well independently or as part of a team
• Ability to con­form to development standards and requirements for each project

Your working location will be fully on‑site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
• For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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