Materials/Polymer R&D Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Materials Research and Development Engineer to advance polymer and composite technologies in defense and industrial applications. You will contribute to design, fabrication, testing, and evaluation of advanced polymer structures and multi-material systems in a collaborative AMME environment.

This on-site, State College, PA role involves leading technical tasks, mentoring junior engineers, engaging with sponsors, and ensuring

Qualifications

• Polymer structure-property relationships and the ability to produce new thermoset materials with specific properties.
• Thermoset elastomer development.
• Process development of prototype structures.
• Proficiency with materials characterization techniques (mechanical testing, DMA, DSC, chemical analysis).
• Understanding of relationships between composition, microstructure, processing, and material properties.
• Polymer processing and characterization methods.
• Testing and characterization methods for composite materials.
• Project engineering or management.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly in writing.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the research, design, development, and fabrication of advanced polymer and composite structures.
• Perform fabrication, characterization, testing, and evaluation with quality.
• Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects as Task Lead or Principal Investigator.
• Present findings to sponsors and customers; coordinate meetings.
• Develop test plans, bills of materials, technical reports, and project documentation.
• Provide regular status updates to investigators and engineering staff.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to meet milestones.
• Maintain a safe, compliant lab environment.

Skills

Polymer structure-property

Thermoset elastomer development

Prototype process development

Materials characterization

Structure-property understanding

Polymer processing methods

Composite testing methods

Project engineering/management

Written communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Job description

We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing 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 various research activities throughout the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division including manufacturing, characterization, and design of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, elastomers, ceramic matrix composites, and/or multi-material structures.

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

You will:

• Support the research, design, development, and fabrication of advanced polymer and composite structures for defense and industrial applications
• Perform and support fabrication, characterization, testing, and evaluation activities while ensuring technical quality and accuracy
• Apply sound engineering judgment, critical thinking, and attention to detail to solve technical challenges and support project objectives
• Contribute to white papers, technical proposals, project plans, customer meetings, and other business development initiatives
• Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects while serving as a Task Lead or Principal Investigator, as appropriate
• Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to sponsors, customers, and other stakeholders
• Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, bills of materials, technical reports, presentations, and other formal project documentation
• Execute assigned work in accordance with written and verbal instructions while proactively identifying and communicating technical issues and risks
• Provide regular project status updates and technical progress reports to Principal Investigators, project leadership, and engineering staff
• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and technical milestones
• Demonstrate initiative by seeking guidance, sharing knowledge, and engaging with supervisors and team members to ensure project success
• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment while adhering to established safety procedures and best practice

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
• Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
• Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Polymer structure-property relationships and the ability to produce new thermoset materials with specific properties
• Thermoset elastomer development
• Process development of prototype structures
• Past success utilizing a wide range of materials characterization techniques including mechanical property testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and chemical analysis
• Understanding of relationships between composition, microstructure, processing, and material properties
• Polymer processing and characterization methods
• Testing and characterization methods for composite materials
• Project engineering or management
• Past success providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension
• Successful collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced composites
• Leading projects and working with customers/sponsors
• Developing new proposals and projects
• Past success working on defense projects
• 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.