Engineering Designer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking an entry-level Electrical Engineering Designer to join the Mechanical – Electrical Design and Drafting Service Center of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL).

You will assist in PCB design, analysis, manufacturing support and procurement for ARL research offices, collaborating with senior staff on electro-mechanical system concepts and improving design methods and tools for evolving programs.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree or equivalent with related experience.
• Familiarity with PCB concepts and IPC standards encouraged.
• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Support cutting-edge research utilizing PCB software to create schematics, PCBs, assemblies, library parts, bills of materials, and other documentation
• Collaborate with technical staff on conceptual design of electro-mechanical systems
• Assist with material selection, packaging, tolerance analysis, manufacturing support, and cost projections
• Provide work status updates and present in design review meetings with senior staff
• Assist senior staff evolving design methods and templates for new research programs
• Support development of new software tools and processes to improve capabilities

Skills

Basic working knowledge of electronic

Microsoft Office

Adobe products

Education

Associate Degree

Equivalent education & experience

Tools

Altium

PCB design software

Job description

Position specifics

We are searching for an entry-level Electrical Engineering Designer to join the Mechanical – Electrical Design and Drafting Service Center of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. In this role, you will assist in the design, analysis, manufacture, and procurement support of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) in support of ARL’s research offices. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Support cutting-edge research utilizing PCB software to create schematics, PCBs, assemblies, library parts, bills of materials, and other documentation
• Collaborate with technical staff on conceptual design of electro-mechanical systems
• Assist with or facilitate material selection, packaging, tolerance analysis, manufacturing support, and cost projections efforts
• Provide work status updates and present in design review meetings with senior staff
• Assist and support senior technical staff evolving design methods and techniques, including templates, as required for new and evolving research programs
• Assist and support the development or evaluation of new software tools and work processes to improve department capabilities in design, reporting, and efficiency of operation

Required skills

• Basic working knowledge of electronic circuits and components in analog and digital design
• Microsoft Office and Adobe products
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Preferred experience

• PCB design software, including component creation, schematic layout, and design Altium software
• Electronics industry knowledge from PCB design through manufacturing
• Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Configuration Management (CM)
• Certification or familiarization with IPC standards

Location

Your working location will be 100% on‑site, but options may exist for a hybrid work from office and work from home scenario dependent upon research requirements. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Eligibility and background checks

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.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• If filled as Engineering Designer, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
• If filled as Engineering Designer, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. Required Certifications: None

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,800.00 - $77,304.00.

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.

Company Culture

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.