Undersea Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount (75%)

Comprehensive benefits and retirement

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA, seeks motivated STEM professionals to join the Undersea Systems Simulation (USS) team within ARL's USO MB E Division. You will design and run physics-based simulations for undersea engagements and perform DoD-focused analysis to derive actionable guidance.

Candidates should hold a relevant engineering/science degree and demonstrate strong problem-solving, communication, and independent work skills; on-site work in State College is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Ability to understand complex/ill-defined systems and deliver concrete findings to stakeholders.
• Creative problem solving and proactive learning of new tools and domains.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, setup, and execute transient, physics-based computer simulation studies to investigate a wide range of metrics associated with undersea engagements
• Perform modeling, simulation, and analyses of undersea systems for a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) applications
• Analyze simulation study results and condense results into cohesive conclusions and actionable recommendations
• Perform system-level operability and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) based studies and analysis of results
• Analyze, design, and implement computational models (vehicle dynamics, sound propagation, signal processing, etc.) associated with undersea systems modeling and simulation
• Integrate and analyze vehicle software (operational code) including guidance and control, signal processing, and vehicle controller into larger digital simulations
• Utilize modeling and simulation (M&S) using physics-based software models and software in the loop (SWIL) simulations
• No hardware and/or hardware-in-the-loop is involved with the position

Skills

Aerospace Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Systems Engineering

Physics

Applied Mathematics

Acoustics

Computer Science

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

FORTRAN

C

C++

Ada

Matlab

Python

Simulink

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for motivated and talented team members with science, technology, engineering, acoustics, or mathematics (STEM) based education and background to join the Undersea Systems Simulation (USS) Department of the Model-Based Engineering (MBE) Division in the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). We support our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet.

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

YOU WILL

• Design, setup, and execute transient, physics-based computer simulation studies to investigate a wide range of metrics associated with undersea engagements
• Perform modeling, simulation, and analyses of undersea systems for a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) applications
• Analyze simulation study results and condense results into cohesive conclusions and actionable recommendations
• Perform system-level operability and Concept of Operations (CONOPS) based studies and analysis of results
• Analyze, design, and implement computational models (vehicle dynamics, sound propagation, signal processing, etc.) associated with undersea systems modeling and simulation
• Integrate and analyze vehicle software (operational code) including guidance and control, signal processing, and vehicle controller into larger digital simulations
• Utilize modeling and simulation (M&S) using physics-based software models and software in the loop (SWIL) simulations
• No hardware and/or hardware-in-the-loop is involved with the position

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE HIGHER-LEVEL POSITION INCLUDE

• Working with more complex scenarios
• Performing more in-depth analyses
• Managing more concurrent tasking

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS INCLUDE

• A degree in an area of study related to Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Science, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Acoustics, or Computer Science
• Ability to understand complex and/or ill-defined systems, develop action plans to resolve questions about those systems, and deliver concrete findings and guidance from studies to stakeholders and customers
• Creativity in problem solving, including the ability to absorb a broad range of information
• Inquisitive, proactive, and interested in learning new tools, techniques, and problem domains
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills
• Well-organized, independent, and ready to work
• Comfortable working in an environment where problems are often not initially well-defined

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS INCLUDE

• Modelling vehicle dynamics, signal processing, sound propagation, undersea acoustics, reverberation, sonar arrays, numerical analysis & methods, statistics, autonomy algorithms, and/or computational physics
• Programming for engineering applications and scientific applications (FORTRAN, C, C++, Ada, Matlab, Python, and/or Simulink, etc.)
• Willingness to concurrently work multiple projects (usually 2-3)
• Ability to work closely with small cadre of highly trained professionals to meet challenging design and program objectives
• 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

WORKING LOCATION & CONDITIONS

Your working location will be fully onsite, located in State College, PA.

Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

This role may require periodic travel.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Simulation and Modeling (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Simulation and Modeling (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• No prior relevant work experience required
• Required Certifications: None

BACKGROUND CHECKS / CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

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 $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.

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.

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.

OUR VALUES

Our values are as follows: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.