Engineering Technologist, Mechanical

Penn State University; Benner Township (PA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plans and generous PTO

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Technologist to support R&D of materials and fabrication methods. You will coordinate lab and field activities, integrate mechanical and electrical systems, and contribute to technical documentation across a range of material systems including ceramics and composites.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree in engineering and 3+ years of relevant experience, with on-site work and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering and 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination.
• Experience with mechanical design methods, fabrication techniques, and test procedures.
• Experience in project management and working in an industrial setting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and staff to plan and execute technical projects.
• Coordinate laboratory and field activities including planning, testing, fabrication, and machining.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer systems into advanced manufacturing processes.
• Contribute to proposals, white papers, and project documentation.
• Possibly supervise lower-level engineering staff and provide technical direction.

Skills

Cold Spray

Additive Manufacturing

Robotics

Laboratory testing

Technical drawings

Machining

Scheduling

Mechanical systems

Microsoft Office

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

PowerMill

MasterCAM

GibbsCAM

RoboDK

URScript

KUKA/KRL

Cura

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a highly motivated Mechanical Engineering Technologist to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions than can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites.

You will:

• Collaborate with faculty and engineering staff to plan and execute technical projects in support of research and organizational objectives
• Coordinate laboratory and field activities, including planning, testing, repair, fabrication, and machining operations
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer systems into advanced manufacturing processes and applications
• Contribute to the development of technical proposals, white papers, presentations, reports, and other project documentation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, faculty, and technical staff to achieve project and organizational goals

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Maintain current knowledge of mechanical design methods, fabrication techniques, materials, test equipment, and emerging engineering technologies applicable to the discipline
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and configuration control of engineering artifacts, test data, and technical deliverables in accordance with organizational and sponsor requirements
• Support secure handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Export‑Controlled Information, and other sensitive technical data throughout design, fabrication, and testing activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, prototyping methods, and test capabilities in support of mission requirements
• May provide supervision or technical direction to lower-level engineering staff, including task assignment, mentoring, and performance input

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Cold Spray and Additive Manufacturing technical development and project management
• Robotics and robot programming
• Additive Manufacturing and/or Cold Spray
• Past success working within an industrial environment
• Past success utilizing diverse materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies used for equipment repair and maintenance
• Laboratory testing and ability to follow test procedures and standards
• Developing and reviewing technical drawings and schematics for accuracy and completeness
• Machining foundation
• Scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems
• Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, Excel, and Teams

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM): Siemens NX, SolidWorks, PowerMill, MasterCAM, GibbsCAM
• Robot Programming: Robots/Programming Languages, RoboDK, FANUC/ KAREL/ROBOGUIDE, Universal Robots/URScript, Doosan/DART, KUKA/KRL
• Cura
• 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

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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor’s Degree3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor’s Degree1+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

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

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

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 $75,408.00 - $132,204.00.

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.