Pennsylvania State University logo

Pennsylvania State University

Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst

🇺🇸 University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $77K - $130K 💻 Information Technology 🗓️ March 19th, 2026
Python PK

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Operations Research/Undersea Systems Analyst to join its Applied Research Laboratory's Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department. The role involves collaborating with diverse experts to analyze and model undersea and naval systems, performing concept assessments, and delivering clear analytic results to support Department of Defense and Intel Community customers.

Highlights
  • Collaborate with Navy officers, engineers, scientists, and mathematicians to understand complex problems.
  • Develop and execute analytical models and simulations to assess naval operations and systems engineering.
  • Communicate analysis results to stakeholders within the lab and to DoD or Intel Community sponsors.
  • Higher-level duties include contributing to white papers, leading small tasks, and handling larger project components.
  • Proficiency in scientific computing languages or frameworks such as C++, MATLAB, Simulink, R, or Python is required.
  • Preferred experience includes undersea systems, modeling and simulation of interacting systems, applied physics, or mathematics.
  • Current or ability to obtain Secret-level or higher security clearance, with U.S. citizenship required.
  • Minimum qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering or science; 0-2+ years relevant experience depending on position level; no certifications required.
  • Position is fully onsite in State College, PA, with possible periodic travel.
  • Salary range from $76,700 to $129,500, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

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.

​

 

 

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 Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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.

 

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines