Simulation Software Engineer
At a glance
Mid-level Software Engineering role at Penn State. Penn State University Park · full-time · $121,704–$231,000 base.
techroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Develop and maintain software for undersea-system simulations, including the interfaces other applications use to run them
- Combine vehicle guidance, control, signal-processing and controller software into digital simulations, then assess the integration
- Set up simulation checks, choose measures for judging results, and run verification and validation tests
- Write down algorithms, software designs and test plans in line with current development practices
- Handle broad simulation engineering work or lead project tasks; higher-level roles add technical direction within the division
What you bring
- A bachelor’s in engineering or science and five years of related experience; the senior level calls for fourteen years
- Experience with at least one listed language or environment, such as C/C++, Python or MATLAB, and with Linux
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain a government security clearance
Who this fits
You’ll work fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, with periodic trips to remote testing locations. The role suits someone who can explain technical details to program sponsors and managers and work constructively with a small team. Depending on level, you may mentor junior staff or provide technical leadership.
From the employer
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a Simulation Software Engineer to join our Simulation Software (SSW) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This motivated and talented individual will perform software development activities supporting undersea system simulations for a variety of Department of Defense (DoD) applications.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Analyze, design, implement, and maintain software associated with undersea systems modeling and simulation, including interfaces used to execute simulations by other applications
Integrate and analyze vehicle software, including guidance and control, signal processing, and vehicle controllers into larger digital simulations
Design, set up, and execute software tests for simulation verification and validation, including identification of appropriate metrics
Document algorithms, code designs, and software tests in accordance with modern software development practices
Perform Simulation Software Engineering tasks of a large scope or lead specific tasks within the project scope
May mentor and/or train lower-level employees and students in the department
Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:
Provide technical leadership within the division for projects/programs
Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of program goals
Required skills/experience areas include:
Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or Science discipline plus five years’ relevant experience
One or more of C/C++, Python, Fortran, Ada, MATLAB, and Simulink
Linux
Ability to engage in constructive debate, expressing ideas clearly and actively listening to diverse viewpoints in a small team environment to meet challenging design and program objectives
Ability to clearly articulate technical information to program sponsors and management
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
A Master's degree in Acoustics, Physics, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Science, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science
Version control software such as Git
Developing software using modern practices in an Agile/SCRUM environment
Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
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. This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Software (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 - Software (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 www.arl.psu.edu
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
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.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.
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. 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.
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