Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a self-motivated, detail-oriented, positive and quality-conscious Undersea System Analyst to join our Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Operations Research is a multidisciplinary field in which a wide range of analytical methods are utilized to aid decision-making. The goal of our Operations Research and Systems Analysis group is to provide insightful analytic studies in support of Department of Defense and Intel Community (IC) customers, connecting physics, DoD operations, engineering, and mathematics to ensure that our national defense is maintained today and into the future.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Aggregate Subject Matter Expertise – work with a diverse group of experts, including Navy officers, engineers, scientists, and mathematicians, to understand problems from many perspectives
Execute analyses – plan an approach to a problem, develop models, execute models/simulations, and analyze results
Perform concept assessments – assess future or current naval operations and/or systems engineering for conceptual systems
Deliver results – clearly communicate results to stakeholders within the laboratory or to sponsors in the DoD or IC
Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:
Contributing to white papers and/or study plans
Performing larger tasks individually or as part of a group
Leading small tasks
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 problem solving
Demonstrated ability to absorb a broad array of information from scientific and/or mathematical fields
Ability to identify relationships between a system and its operational usage - logistics, planning, environmental, and risk factors
Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Past 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
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. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of meetings.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - 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 - Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
No prior relevant work experience required
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 www.arl.psu.edu
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; 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 & 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**
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.