Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; State College, Northern (Centre County, KY); Hybrid; USD 106,000 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Fluids Machinery Engineer to design, assemble, and operate complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnels and field sites. You will contribute to vehicle control concepts and external hydrodynamics, applying fluid dynamics expertise within multidisciplinary teams.

The role requires strong aerodynamics background, hands-on experimental work, and a proven ability to communicate and present results to professionals.

Qualifications

• 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)
• Proven ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment.
• Excellent presentation skills to convey results to stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating in a diverse, multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnels, government facilities, and field sites.
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at multiple system levels.
• Provide SME in fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well-defined questions and problems.
• Perform hands-on work in preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments.
• Interact with engineers, researchers, and faculty to present technical results.
• Lead design and execution of experiments at higher level positions; manage small to moderate projects.
• Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research.
• Author/co-author reports, presentations, and papers.
• Maintain and cultivate external research relationships.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Aerodynamics

Flight dynamics & controls

Hands-on experimentation

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s 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.

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

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.

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

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 $105,900.00 - $231,000.00. 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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