Engineering Technologist, Mechanical

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks an Engineering Technologist, Mechanical to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department on a fully on-site basis in State College, PA. The role supports materials processing, prototype development, and testing to deliver validated solutions for government customers.

The position emphasizes translating engineering concepts into functional test articles, fixtures, and processes, with opportunities to work across coating, heat-treatment, and

Qualifications

• Applying mechanical engineering principles to design, fabrication, testing, or manufacturing activities.
• Connecting engineering concepts with hands-on implementation and practical problem-solving.
• Developing or interpreting technical drawings, procedures, specifications, or equipment documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems using organized and logical methods.
• Collect, organize, and interpret technical data.
• Express technical ideas successfully in verbal and written form.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering staff to plan and execute materials-processing, prototyping, integration, and testing activities.
• Develop, build, modify, and evaluate experimental equipment, test fixtures, prototypes, and process hardware.
• Operate and support coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, manufacturing, and materials-testing equipment.
• Develop and interpret engineering drawings, equipment layouts, test procedures, process documentation, and technical specifications.
• Conduct and document mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing.
• Configure sensors, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, pumps, controls, and data-acquisition equipment.
• Support machining, welding, additive manufacturing, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities.
• Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods.
• Analyze test results and recommend practical improvements to equipment, processes, fixtures, and experimental methods.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process, instrumentation, and equipment-related problems.
• Maintain proper documentation and traceability of engineering artifacts, test data, and technical deliverables.
• Support prototype demonstrations, customer evaluations, and technology-transition activities.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, drawings, procedures, and other project documentation.

Skills

Mechanical principles

Prototyping

Testing & measurement

Documentation

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

CAD

Data acquisition software

Instrumentation software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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

We are searching for a highly motivated Engineering Technologist, Mechanical to join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Materials for Extreme Environments Department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. This role will apply established engineering principles and practical technical knowledge to support materials processing, prototype development, experimental equipment, testing, and technology transition. The successful candidate will help translate engineering concepts into functional prototypes, test articles, experimental systems, and validated technical solutions for the U.S. military, and other government customers.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

You will:

• Collaborate with engineering staff to plan and execute materials-processing, prototyping, integration, and testing activities
• Develop, build, modify, and evaluate experimental equipment, test fixtures, prototypes, and process hardware
• Operate and support coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, manufacturing, and materials-testing equipment
• Develop and interpret engineering drawings, equipment layouts, test procedures, process documentation, and technical specifications
• Conduct and document mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing
• Configure sensors, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, pumps, controls, and data-acquisition equipment
• Support machining, welding, additive manufacturing, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities
• Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods
• Analyze test results and recommend practical improvements to equipment, processes, fixtures, and experimental methods
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process, instrumentation, and equipment-related problems
• Maintain proper documentation and traceability of engineering artifacts, test data, and technical deliverables
• Support prototype demonstrations, customer evaluations, and technology-transition activities
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, drawings, procedures, and other project documentation

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:

• Applying mechanical engineering or engineering technology principles to design, fabrication, testing, or manufacturing activities
• Connecting engineering concepts with hands-on implementation and practical problem-solving
• Developing or interpreting technical drawings, procedures, specifications, or equipment documentation
• Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems using organized and logical methods
• Collect, organize, and interpret technical data
• Express technical ideas successfully in verbal and written form
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Mechanical engineering technology, manufacturing engineering technology, electromechanical engineering technology, materials engineering technology, or a related discipline
• Materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, or welding
• Design and fabrication of mechanical fixtures, prototypes, or experimental equipment
• Computer-aided design, data-acquisition, engineering analysis, or instrumentation software
• Mechanical testing, materials characterization, or environmental testing
• Furnaces, vacuum systems, compressed-gas systems, pumps, sensors, controls, or laboratory instrumentation
• ASTM, military, or industry test standards
• 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 Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None. If filled as Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree 1+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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 $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.