Electrical Propulsion and Power Systems Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 92,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking experienced Electric Propulsion and Power Systems (EPPS) Engineers to join the EPCS Department within the ARL. The role focuses on high-power propulsion systems for undersea vehicles, with lab and field testing and DoD-related sponsorships.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams through full project lifecycles, develop design concepts, and ensure integration of propulsion hardware and power systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science and 2+ years of relevant experience.
• No required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of advanced electric propulsion and power sub-systems.
• Oversee design reviews, interface control documents, and test plans.
• Perform detailed design, lab and field testing of EPPS prototypes.
• Support system integration and verification throughout the project lifecycle.

Skills

Power systems

Motor drives

Control methods

Analog/digital design

Embedded C/C++

VHDL/Verilog

Team leadership

Hands-on electronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

Altium

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Simulink

RT-LAB

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for experienced and dedicated Electric Propulsion and Power Systems (EPPS) Engineers to join the Electrical Power and Control Systems (EPCS) Department within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams in project development of cutting edge electric and hybrid electric propulsion and power systems for undersea vehicles. Specifically, you will oversee the detail design, documentation, integration, and testing of high-power electric propulsion motors and controllers for undersea propulsion applications along with overall vehicle power system design and control. This will include laboratory and field testing for U.S. military and related applications. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

• Participate in full project life cycle design and development to deliver advanced, efficient and reliable electric and hybrid electric propulsion systems and power sub-systems
• Participate in system requirements identification, flow-down, and functional allocation followed by design reviews, design acceptance and documentation packages
• Execute detailed design stages including early design concept development, market surveys, analysis of alternatives, draft interface control and functional design documents, and write test plans/reports.
• Test EPPS subsystems including advanced hardware-in-the-loop test methods to support integration with larger systems of systems
• Use an array of advanced laboratory equipment to demonstrate the design satisfies the identified requirements and expectations
• Capture approved hardware designs using state of the art CAD tools
• Participate in large scale system integration exercises and requirement verification stages
• Support laboratory and field testing of prototype EPPS systems to demonstrate and validate the final design

Additional Responsibilities for Senior Professional and Higher-level Positions Include:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions
• Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
• Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
• Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission‑critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Single-phase AC, three phase AC, and DC power systems
• Power conversion systems such as motors and drives, alternators, rectifiers, and DC-DC converters.
• Open and closed-loop control methods
• Analog and digital circuit design
• Demonstrated ability to work within an engineering team and lead a team of technicians
• Be hands‑on, exhibit a solid understanding of electronics and power concepts
• Possess a proven ability to build, troubleshoot, and integrate hardware into larger, more complex systems

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Electrical CAD tools including Altium Design Suite
• Mechanical CAD tools including Siemens NX and/or Solidworks
• Data acquisition hardware and software including LabVIEW and MATLAB
• MATLAB, Simulink, Stateflow, and RT-LAB for simulation and control
• Past success in design with low and high voltage power conversion
• High voltage training and working experience
• Hardware-in-the-loop HIL experience
• Safely interfacing to various battery chemistries and battery management systems (BMS)
• Operating power processing test equipment (Aerovironment, Arbin)
• Planning and safely executing dynamometer testing
• Embedded C/C++ and VHDL/Verilog
• 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

If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): 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 & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.

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.

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