Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 28, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for motivated and talented Research and Development Engineer to join our Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. 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). 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 DoD and 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 - to include planning of an approach to a problem, development of models, execution of models/simulations, and analysis of results Perform concept assessments - to include the assessment of 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 higher-level position include: Contributing to white papers and/or study plans Performing larger tasks individually or as part of a group, and 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 Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication and presentation skills Preferred skills/experience areas include: Undersea systems and the ability to apply this experience to assess new concepts Experience in modeling and simulation, particularly to resolve questions of interacting systems, classical 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 on-site, located in State College, PA. Periodic travel may be required 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 topossess 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines