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Pennsylvania State University

Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $109K - $191K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ April 9th, 2026
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Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst. The role involves leading and coordinating teams of engineers to develop models, conduct analyses, and assess undersea systems and naval operations, delivering results and guidance to Department of Defense and Intel Community sponsors. The position also requires managing complex problem-solving, communicating findings effectively, and pursuing future work opportunities.

Highlights
  • Lead and manage groups of 1-3 R&D engineers, with higher-level roles coordinating 3-10 cross-functional team members.
  • Develop action plans for complex or ill-defined systems and conduct model/simulation-based analyses.
  • Perform concept assessments for naval operations and systems engineering.
  • Use computing languages/frameworks such as C++, MATLAB, Simulink, R, or Python for scientific and engineering analysis.
  • Demonstrate creativity and the ability to integrate diverse scientific and mathematical information.
  • Preferred experience includes undersea systems, modeling and simulation, and task management for small teams.
  • Must be eligible for Secret-level security clearance or higher, with U.S. citizenship required.
  • Minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science; senior roles require 14+ years of experience, advanced professional roles require 5+ years.
  • Salary range is $109,300 to $191,000, potentially adjusted for geographic differential.
  • Position is fully onsite at State College, PA, with possible periodic travel; benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and dependents.

Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

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. Operations Research is a multidisciplinary field in which a wide range of analytical methods are utilized to aid decision-making.

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

  • Manage Groups of Engineers - track and lead the technical performance of 1-3 Research and Development (R&D) Engineers

  • Develop Action Plans - resolve questions about complex or ill-defined systems and deliver concrete findings and guidance to customers

  • 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 Department of Defense (DoD) or Intel Community (IC)

  • Pursue Future Work - identify and help achieve future work opportunities by writing and presenting proposals to DoD and IC sponsors

Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include:

  • Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams of 3-10 members, including R&D engineers, engineering support specialists, HR, and IT personnel

  • Provide input to strategic planning for the department

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • 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

  • Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

  • 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. 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 - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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.

 

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