Materials R&D Engineer: Polymers & Composites (On‑Site)

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 122,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA, seeks a Materials R&D Engineer to advance polymer composites, elastomers, and related materials. You will design, fabricate, test, and evaluate advanced structures for defense and industrial use, leading projects and reporting progress to sponsors.

The role emphasizes thorough documentation, collaboration across teams, and a strong emphasis on safety and technical rigor in a laboratory setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science is required.
• 21st-century experience in R&D engineering and materials.
• Experience with advanced polymer/composite structures preferred.
• U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance; background checks required.
• Remote/hybrid work not guaranteed; on-site at State College, PA required.

Responsibilities

• Support fabrication, characterization, testing and evaluation of advanced polymer/composite structures.
• Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects as appropriate.
• Present findings and updates to sponsors and customers.
• Develop test plans, BOMs, reports, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to meet milestones.
• Maintain safe, compliant laboratory environment.

Skills

Polymer structure-property

Thermoset elastomers

Process development

Materials characterization

Microstructure understanding

Polymer processing

Composites testing

Project management

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Defense projects

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA, seeks a Materials R&D Engineer to advance polymer composites, elastomers, and related materials. You will design, fabricate, test, and evaluate advanced structures for defense and industrial use, leading projects and reporting progress to sponsors.

The role emphasizes thorough documentation, collaboration across teams, and a strong emphasis on safety and technical rigor in a laboratory setting.