Scientific Computing Engagement Specialist

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 69,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State in State College, PA seeks a proactive Scientific Computing Engagement Specialist to join the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division. You will develop, integrate, and maintain software and computing solutions across ARL programs, collaborating with engineers, researchers, and staff to translate research requirements into practical computing outcomes.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting, installation, configuration, and maintenance of computing

Qualifications

• Associate Degree with 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Experience debugging software and configuring computing environments.
• Ability to learn new programming languages as project needs evolve.

Responsibilities

• Support integration of software with research computing platforms, hardware, embedded systems, sensors, databases, networks, and other technical systems.
• Troubleshoot software, computing environment, system integration, and application performance issues.
• Assist with installation, configuration, and maintenance of software development and scientific computing environments.
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, programmers, and technical staff to translate research requirements into practical computing solutions.
• Participate in software testing, verification, validation, documentation, and configuration-management activities.
• Research and evaluate new programming languages, computing tools, libraries, frameworks, and emerging technologies that may improve research capabilities.
• Provide technical support and guidance to researchers and other users of computing resources.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Team collaboration

Technical communication

Learn new languages

Programming experience

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Git

Version control

Configuration management

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location can/will be fully on-site located in State College, Pennsylvania.

We are searching for a proactive and technically curious Scientific Computing Engagement Specialist to join the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Applied Sustainment Technologies Division builds technologies that enable the autonomic nervous system of defense sustainment from smart assets and systems to a responsive enterprise. This role will support the development, integration, and maintenance of software and scientific computing solutions used across ARL research programs. You will work with engineers, researchers, programmers, and other technical personnel to develop practical software solutions, troubleshoot technical problems, and support research computing and system integration activities.

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

You will:

• Support integration of software with research computing platforms, hardware, embedded systems, sensors, databases, networks, and other technical systems
• Troubleshoot software, computing environment, system integration, and application performance issues
• Assist with installation, configuration, and maintenance of software development and scientific computing environments
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, programmers, and technical staff to translate research requirements into practical computing solutions
• Participate in software testing, verification, validation, documentation, and configuration-management activities
• Research and evaluate new programming languages, computing tools, libraries, frameworks, and emerging technologies that may improve research capabilities
• Provide technical support and guidance to researchers and other users of computing resources

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Troubleshoot software and technical system problems methodically
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Ability to communicate technical information successfully and provide effective support to technical users
• Past success using one or more programming or scripting languages and the ability to learn additional technologies as project needs evolve

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• C, C++, C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, .NET, SQL, or similar programming languages
• Linux and/or Windows computing and software-development environments
• Scientific computing, data processing, automation, databases, networking, APIs, embedded systems, or hardware/software integration
• Git or other version-control and configuration-management tools
• Exposure to high-performance computing, cloud computing, virtualization, containers, AI/ML, or other advanced computing technologies
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

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 $68,604.00 - $102,900.00.

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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