Undersea Systems Modeling and Simulation Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 76,700 - 129,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Research and Development Engineer to join the Undersea Systems Simulation Department. The role focuses on executing computer simulations and analyzing undersea systems, supporting national security. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science field and strong communication skills.

The salary range is between $76,700 and $129,500 with a comprehensive benefits package available to full-time employees.

Qualifications

• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to resolve complex problems and deliver actionable findings.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute physics-based computer simulations.
• Analyze simulation results and provide recommendations.
• Manage concurrent tasks and handle complex scenarios.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

FORTRAN

C

C++

Matlab

Python

Job description

Position Overview

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.

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

Additional Responsibilities

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

Required Skills and Experience

• 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 and Experience

• 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

Required Education and Experience

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience. If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science. No prior relevant work experience is required.

Background Checks & Clearance

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; you 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 and Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 – $129,500.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and 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.