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 - 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 - 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.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 $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.**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.
If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.
Penn State Applied Research Laboratory’s MSA Division is recruiting undergraduate engineering interns to perform hands-on materials research, fabrication, characterization, and test support for applied R&D programs.
Help design and implement the UI and interaction layer between engineers and Archie, shaping workflows and real-time systems that make AI a practical engineering teammate.
HPE seeks a hands-on Software Engineer to develop and execute QA/test strategies, automate test suites, and collaborate across teams to ensure reliable edge-to-cloud software and firmware.
The Real Deal seeks a Full Stack Developer to build scalable, data-driven web applications and intuitive user experiences for its high-traffic real estate products.
Lead the development of scalable backend systems and CV-driven features for a fast-moving youth-sports platform, shaping automated highlights and video analytics used by millions.
Experienced Java/J2EE developer needed to lead enhancements for a retail e‑commerce core platform, with Oracle and ATG experience strongly preferred.
Wellmark is hiring a Software Engineer to design and build data-focused integrations and pipelines that support HEDIS and quality measurement in a regulated healthcare environment.
Lead and mentor cloud-focused engineering teams to deliver scalable, production-ready systems that expand access to technology-enabled pediatric care.
Work with Vendelux's Product Engineering team to build user-facing full-stack features and gain hands-on startup engineering experience in a backend-focused, remote-friendly internship.
Join Patreon's Identity & Access team to design and implement authentication, verification, and account-protection features that keep creators and their supporters safe and secure.
Be the Forward Deployed Engineer who owns customer integrations, shapes product direction, and ensures stablecoin payments integrate reliably with partners at an early-stage NYC startup.
Senior Angular/Full-Stack Engineer to drive front-end architecture and build provider-facing treatment planning and eligibility UIs at Wellfit, working across Product, Design, and backend teams.
Lead Operational Software Deployment and Integration Engineer responsible for on-site mission software deployment, integration, configuration control, and field readiness for Boeing Phantom Works at Beale AFB.
ConsumerAffairs is hiring an AI-native Software Engineer to design, build, and maintain scalable backend systems and full-stack features across a Django/Python and React codebase while using AI tools as an integral part of the workflow.