Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a Fluids Machinery Engineer to contribute to the design, analysis, and testing of marine vehicle hydrodynamics and flight controls.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams to perform hands-on fluid dynamic experiments, analyze results, and present technical findings in a field and lab environment at ARL facilities, State College, PA.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics.
• Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergrad coursework.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the component, subsystem and/or full vehicle system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well-defined questions and problems
• Perform hands-on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments
• Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results
• Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty

Skills

Flight dynamics

Controls design

Fluid dynamics

Professional presentation

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree or Ph.D. preferred

Tools

Solid modeling/CAD

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join our Fluids Machinery Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, which has a long, successful history of providing innovative solutions and technology for a range of U.S. Government and Industry sponsors. In this position, you will support the design and analysis of marine vehicle hydrodynamics, control effector design, flight controls and maneuvering, as well as supporting experimental fluids testing in a laboratory or field environment. Marine vehicle hydrodynamics focus on a detailed understanding of fluid generated forces (lift and drag) from various parts of a vehicle and how they interact. Flight controls and maneuvering focus on how pilots and autopilot algorithms use understanding of these fluid generated forces to control the kinematics (i.e. motion) of a vehicle in time and space. Experimental fluids testing involves observation and measurement of forces, moments, and flow interacting with a test article in a laboratory environment (wind tunnel or water tunnel) or with a prototype operating in the field.

You will

• Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the component, subsystem and/or full vehicle system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well-defined questions and problems
• Perform hands‑on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments
• Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results
• Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty

Additional responsibilities for a higher level position includes

• Lead the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the subsystem or system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on ill‑defined questions and problems
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives
• Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research
• Author/co‑author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees
• Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships

Required skills/experience areas include

• A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
• Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework (to include relevant work experience)
• Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Effective at presenting in front of professionals, conveying information to drive to action or decision
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi‑disciplinary, team‑oriented culture

Preferred skills/experience areas include

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D.
• Design and execution of experiments using wind or water tunnels
• Demonstrated expertise with vehicle flight dynamics and controls involving design, analysis, or testing
• Familiarity with solid modeling/CAD systems, MATLAB, or Simulink
• Active government security clearance

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

Your working location will be project‑dependent ability for hybrid work, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require some off-site travel and extended off-site work.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

• 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.

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.

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.

Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.