We are searching for a Simulation Software Department Head to join our Model-Based Engineering (MBE) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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). The Simulation Software Department is the main resource in the MBE Division for software development. The mission of the Simulation Software Department is to apply software development expertise to simulation development with the goals of 1) following best practices and accepted standard for software development, 2) increasing sustainability of simulation products, 3) making appropriate selection and utilization of software development tools and 4) developing a systematic approach for simulation software releases and updates. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Develop and execute the strategic vision, goals, and plans of the Simulation Software Department in concert with the MBE Division, the Undersea Systems Office, and ARL/Penn State
- Work closely with the leadership of all USO programs requiring simulation software to properly plan, staff and execute those programs
- Participate in new customer development efforts and business generation
- Provide technical expertise and direction in the development of simulation software while balancing best practices for software development with project needs and deadlines
- Work closely with the MBE Division leadership team to ensure software developed in MBE follows software development practices that are both sound and executed with the highest of standards
- In coordination with MBE and USO leadership, define department performance expectations and ensure performance standards are met
- Recruit and retain highly capable engineers to advance the core competency of the department
- Facilitate personnel to create and explore innovative technologies and research opportunities
- Execute technical tasks as assigned by MBE and USO leadership
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
- Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
- Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs
- Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
- Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof
- Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations
- Manage projects of varying size and scope, including technical elements, budget/schedule implications, and communication with sponsor(s)
- Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals; provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities
- Initiate or contribute to business development activities (i.e. white papers, proposals, etc.)
- May supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate students
This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending on your education and experience. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field and 5+ years' related experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher-level positions.
Required skills/experience areas include:
- Proficiency in C++ or other object-oriented programming languages
- The design, development, testing and documentation of software
- The implementation and documentation of configuration management and software development best practices
- Leading technical teams
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
- Development with Simulink
- Software development for modeling and simulation
- Utilization of Atlassian toolset
SOFT SKILL INFORMATION:
- 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
- Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
- Past experience working alongside a diverse group of people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds OR Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
- Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College. 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 project tasks.
ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.
You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.
