Engineering Designer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 47,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an entry-level Electrical Engineering Designer to assist in PCB design, analysis, manufacture, and procurement support for ARL’s research offices, with on-site work and potential hybrid arrangements.

This role partners with senior staff to develop schematics, PCBs, libraries, BOMs, and documentation, and to advance design methods, tools, and processes for new programs.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree required; 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Basic working knowledge of electronic circuits and components in analog and digital design.
• IPC standards familiarity preferred; PLM/CM experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create schematics, PCBs, and assemblies using PCB software.
• Collaborate with staff on conceptual electrical designs for electro-mechanical systems.
• Assist with material selection, tolerancing, manufacturing support and cost projections.
• Provide status updates and present in design reviews with senior staff.
• Assist in evolving design methods, templates, and tools for new research programs.
• Support development of new software tools and work processes to improve efficiency.

Skills

Analog & digital design basics

MS Office & Adobe

Collaboration in diverse teams

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Altium 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.

You will

• 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/experience areas include:

• 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 areas include:

• 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

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.

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

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 $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 an