Simulation Software Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 109,300 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

75% tuition discount for employees

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a motivated Simulation Software Engineer to support software development activities for undersea system simulations. This role involves analyzing, designing, and maintaining software, as well as potential leadership in projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science with five years of experience and an expertise in programming languages like C/C++ and Python. The position is on-site in State College, PA, offering a competitive salary range of $109,300 to $191,000 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus five years of relevant experience.
• Ability to engage in constructive debate and communicate ideas clearly.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, implement, and maintain software for modeling and simulation.
• Integrate and analyze software for vehicle guidance and control.
• Document algorithms, code designs, and conduct software tests.

Skills

C/C++

Python

Fortran

Ada

MATLAB

Simulink

Linux operating system

Agile/SCRUM environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Master's degree in related fields (preferred)

Tools

Version control software (e.g., Git)

Job description

Position Overview

We are searching for a Simulation Software Engineer to join our Simulation Software (SSW) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This motivated and talented individual will perform software development activities supporting undersea system simulations for a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) applications.

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, implement, and maintain software associated with undersea systems modeling and simulation, including interfaces used to execute simulations by other applications.
• Integrate and analyze vehicle software, including guidance and control, signal processing, and vehicle controllers into larger digital simulations.
• Design, set up, and execute software tests for simulation verification and validation, including identification of appropriate metrics.
• Document algorithms, code designs, and software tests in accordance with modern software development practices.
• Perform Simulation Software Engineering tasks of a large scope or lead specific tasks within the project scope.
• May mentor and/or train lower-level employees and students in the department.

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions

• Provide technical leadership within the division for projects/programs.
• Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of program goals.

Required skills/experience areas

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline plus five years' relevant experience.
• One or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran, Ada, MATLAB, and Simulink.
• Linux operating system experience.
• Ability to engage in constructive debate, expressing ideas clearly and actively listening to diverse viewpoints in a small team environment to meet challenging design and program objectives.
• Ability to clearly articulate technical information to program sponsors and management.

Preferred skills/experience areas

• A Master's degree in Acoustics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Science, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Version control software such as Git.
• Experience developing software using modern practices in an Agile/SCRUM environment.
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective.
• 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.

Location and Travel

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Education, Work Experience & Certifications

Minimum requirements vary by grade: If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional, the position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 14+ years of relevant experience. If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional, the position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 5+ years of relevant experience.

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; applicants will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 – $191,000.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

EEO Statement

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.