Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst

Undersea System Analyst

We are searching for self-motivated, detail-oriented, positive, and quality-conscious Undersea System Analysts to join our Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Penn State. If you enjoy breaking down complex technical problems, synthesizing insights from subject-matter experts, and collaborating with decision makers across government and the U.S. Navy, then this is an opportunity for you.

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

You will:

• Lead small teams of engineers – track, develop, and manage the technical performance of 2 – 4 Research and Development (R&D) Engineers
• Aggregate subject matter expertise – work with a diverse group of experts, including Navy officers, engineers, scientists, and mathematicians, to understand problems from many perspectives
• Shape direction of analysis – resolve questions about complex or ill-defined systems and deliver concrete findings and guidance to customers
• Perform concept assessments – leverage modeling and simulation to evaluate technologies and concepts for current and/or future, next generation undersea systems
• Deliver clear results – communicate technical findings to community stakeholders and to sponsors within the Department of Defense (DoD) or Intel Community (IC) in honest and compelling ways
• Pursue future work – promote our identity as a technically competent research center and propose work opportunities to DoD and IC sponsors

Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:

• Managing larger teams of 3 – 10 people
• Providing inputs to strategic planning for the department

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Knowledge of computing languages or frameworks for scientific/engineering analysis such as C++, MATLAB, Simulink, R, or Python
• Creativity in environments where the problem is not initially well-defined
• Demonstrated ability to absorb a broad array of information from scientific and/or mathematical fields
• Demonstrated ability to identify relationships between a system and its operational usage - logistics, planning, environmental, and risk factors
• Demonstrated ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
• Previous success in providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension to an audience
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Undersea systems and the ability to apply this experience to assess new concepts
• Modeling and simulation, particularly to resolve questions of interacting systems, applied physics, or mathematics
• Demonstrated experience in task management for small teams
• 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

Your working location will be fully onsite, located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Minimum education, work experience & required certifications:

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

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

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

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required 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

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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.

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.