Acoustics and Vibrations Research and Development Engineer (Staff)

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (PA, TX); On-site; USD 86,000 - 191,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Research and Development Engineer for its Acoustics Division. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in innovative research that supports national defense and technology needs. You will perform cutting-edge research in vibrations and acoustics, conduct experiments, and collaborate with government and industry partners. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical skills and proficiency in programming languages like MATLAB or C/C++. This position not only promises professional growth but also the chance to contribute to impactful projects that address critical challenges in engineering and technology.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline.
• Two years of related experience required for Intermediate level.

Responsibilities

• Conduct modeling and measurement research in vibrations and acoustics.
• Prepare and conduct experiments using advanced instrumentation.

Skills

Independence and teamwork

Data acquisition systems

MATLAB

C/C++

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Acoustics

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are seeking a Research and Development Engineer to join our Acoustics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL/Penn State's mission is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems supporting the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities' engineering and technology needs.

This role involves supporting and conducting basic and applied research in various acoustic areas such as flow-induced vibration, structural acoustics, dynamic characterization of structures and materials, fatigue analysis and testing, and advanced data analysis.

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

You will:

• Perform modeling and measurement research in vibrations and acoustics for applications including marine vehicles, air vehicles, and energy production.
• Prepare for and conduct experiments at ARL and government testing facilities using advanced instrumentation.
• Identify and perform numerical and analytical modeling.

Additional responsibilities for higher levels include:

• Writing and submitting proposals for funded research.
• Building relationships with government and industry sponsors.
• Collaborating with research and academic faculty at Penn State.
• Documenting research activities in reports and peer-reviewed publications.

This position is open at multiple levels depending on education and experience. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science discipline and two years of related experience is required for the Intermediate level. Higher levels require additional experience or education. A Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Acoustics is preferred.

Required skills and experience include:

• Ability to work independently and in teams, meeting project schedules.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and development.
• Proficiency in MATLAB or compiled languages like C/C++.

Experience in one of the following areas is desirable:

• Experimental acoustics and vibration measurements.
• Computational acoustics methods such as finite element or boundary element analysis.
• Flow excitation mechanisms.
• Development of acoustic materials.

Preferred skills and experience include:

• Familiarity with government research programs and proposal processes.
• Experience writing white papers.
• Technical leadership experience.

The work location is on-site in State College, with periodic travel for testing. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and pass a security investigation and pre-employment drug screening.

For more information, visit www.arl.psu.edu.

The salary range is $86,300 - $191,000, depending on level and experience.