Electrical Engineering Specialist

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Technical Engineering Specialist to join the Electronic Fabrication and Test Systems Department (ESRD) within the Undersea Systems Office (USO).

This on-site role in State College, PA involves layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of electronic equipment in collaboration with engineering teams to deliver mission-focused capabilities.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 0–5 years relevant experience are minimally required.
• Experience with layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation and testing of electronic equipment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist, perform, or provide input to layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of standard and non-standard electronic equipment.
• Assist or evaluate selection and purchase of materials and components and interact with vendors.
• Assist with or install, calibrate, operate and/or maintain standard and non-standard equipment and experimental hardware.
• Assist senior staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the Laboratory or off-site.
• Work as part of a test project support team in the Laboratory or off-site.

Skills

Electronics

Electro-mechanics

Testing with electronic equipment

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Electronic test equipment

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are searching for a highly motivated Technical Engineering Specialist to join our The Electronic Fabrication and Test Systems Department (ESRD), part of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The ESRD department drives the development of innovative technical solutions, working closely with engineering and program teams to create mission‑focused systems that meet operational needs. Our work ensures that emerging concepts become practical, effective capabilities for ARL and its customers. In this role, you’ll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative, reliable solutions that support ARL’s mission and strengthen the systems our customers depend on.

Your working location will be located full on‑site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

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

You Will:

• Assist, perform, or provide input to the layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of standard and non-standard electronic equipment
• Assist or evaluate the selection and purchase of materials and components and interact with vendors
• Assist with or install, calibrate, operate and/or maintain standard and non-standard equipment, experimental hardware, and/or computer systems in the Laboratory or in the field, assist with or assess and identifying system faults, repair/adjust standard and non-standard equipment
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the Laboratory or off‑site
• Work as part of a test project support team in the Laboratory or off‑site

Additionally you may:

• Perform more complex electrical assembly, integration, and troubleshooting tasks with increased independence.
• Lead portions of prototype development, adapting procedures and resolving non‑routine technical issues.
• Provide guidance and occasional oversight to junior staff.
• Communicate with external collaborators or vendors to support project execution and accurate documentation.

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Electronics and/or electro‑mechanics
• Operating electronic test equipment, and the ability to assemble and test electronic circuitry
• Microsoft Office, with the ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks or learn computer programs

Minimally requires: Associate Degree and 0-5 years relevant experience