Engineering Designer

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in University Park invites applications for an entry-level Electrical Engineering Designer. The role supports PCB design, analysis, manufacture, and procurement for ARL research programs, reporting to senior staff.

On-site position with potential hybrid flexibility depending on project needs; ideal candidates will have basic circuit knowledge, familiarity with PCB tools, and strong collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 2+ years in electrical design or related field.
• Fundamental knowledge of analog and digital circuits.
• Experience with cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Create schematics, PCBs, BOMs, and documentation using PCB software.
• Collaborate with staff on electro-mechanical system concepts.
• Assist with material selection, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing support.
• Provide updates and present in design reviews with senior staff.
• Help evolve design methods and tooling for new research programs.

Skills

Electronics basics

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

PCB design software

Altium

PLM

Configuration Management

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 Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Engineering Designer, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Associate DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.Required Certifications:None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

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 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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