Scientific Computing Engagement Specialist

About the role

We are searching for a proactive and technically curious Scientific Computing Engagement Specialist to join the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Applied Sustainment Technologies Division builds technologies that enable the autonomic nervous system of defense sustainment from smart assets and systems to a responsive enterprise. This role will support the development, integration, and maintenance of software and scientific computing solutions used across ARL research programs. You will work with engineers, researchers, programmers, and other technical personnel to develop practical software solutions, troubleshoot technical problems, and support research computing and system integration activities.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• Support integration of software with research computing platforms, hardware, embedded systems, sensors, databases, networks, and other technical systems
• Troubleshoot software, computing environment, system integration, and application performance issues
• Assist with installation, configuration, and maintenance of software development and scientific computing environments
• Collaborate with engineers, researchers, programmers, and technical staff to translate research requirements into practical computing solutions
• Participate in software testing, verification, validation, documentation, and configuration-management activities
• Research and evaluate new programming languages, computing tools, libraries, frameworks, and emerging technologies that may improve research capabilities
• Provide technical support and guidance to researchers and other users of computing resources

Requirements

• Associate Degree
• 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Skills/Experience

• Troubleshoot software and technical system problems methodically
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Ability to communicate technical information successfully and provide effective support to technical users
• Past success using one or more programming or scripting languages and the ability to learn additional technologies as project needs evolve

Preferred Skills/Experience

• C, C++, C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, .NET, SQL, or similar programming languages
• Linux and/or Windows computing and software-development environments
• Scientific computing, data processing, automation, databases, networking, APIs, embedded systems, or hardware/software integration
• Git or other version-control and configuration-management tools
• Exposure to high-performance computing, cloud computing, virtualization, containers, AI/ML, or other advanced computing technologies
• 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

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Associate Degree
• 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,604.00 – $102,900.00.

Benefits

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.