Mechanical Design Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 123,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced design engineer to join their innovative team focused on undersea communications and weapon systems. This role involves designing, analyzing, and testing cutting-edge hardware for unmanned undersea vehicles, contributing to vital projects for the US Navy. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organization values the unique perspectives of its workforce. Candidates should possess extensive experience in mechanical design and project management, with a strong foundation in engineering principles. Join a collaborative environment where your expertise will drive impactful solutions and advance undersea warfare technologies.

Qualifications

• 14+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in defense or aerospace.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, prototype, and test mechanical equipment for undersea systems.
• Manage projects, communicate with sponsors, and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Project Management

Mechanical Engineering Fundamentals

Thermal & Fluid Flow Calculations

Cross-Disciplinary Engineering

Problem Solving

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

14+ years of related experience

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

+ CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

+ If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Deployables and Undersea Communications Department within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking an experienced design engineer whose primary tasking will be to design, analyze, prototype, and test hardware for undersea weapons and unmanned undersea vehicles for the US Navy. ARL/Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and develops innovative solutions to challenging problems in support of our undersea warfare sponsors.

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

You Will:

1. Analyze requirements, identify limitations and problems, and develop innovative mechanical solution concepts.
2. Collaborate closely with team members and area leads.
3. Design, analyze, prototype, and test mechanical equipment and subsystems.
4. Manage projects of varying size and scope; plan and execute technical elements, manage budget/schedule implications, and communicate with sponsors.
5. Prepare written and/or verbal presentations on complex issues and deliver to broad audiences.
6. Review the work of others to verify technical soundness.
7. Mentor less experienced staff in the development of technical and project skills.

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

1. Devise, plan and, lead work on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products or technologies.
2. Direct and/or provide principal contributions to major proposal preparations, presentations, plans and executions related to the mechanical design requirements.
3. May participate and contribute to the strategic plan of the unit.

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending on your education and experience. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline; 14+ years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher level positions.

Required skills/experience areas include:

1. Candidates must be able to demonstrate proficient and comprehensive knowledge of the principles and best practices of mechanical design.
2. Minimum of 14+ years of detailed design experience developing mechanical structures, components, or mechanisms, from concept to product release preferably within the defense or aerospace industry.
3. Thorough understanding and practice of mechanical engineering fundamentals (e.g. statics, dynamics, strength of materials, GD&T).
4. Proficiency in using hand calculations to determine forces and resultant stresses on structures, as well as, perform basic thermal & fluid flow calculations.
5. Ability to work across multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, hydrodynamics, thermodynamics, materials, manufacturing).
6. Demonstrated judgment in anticipating and solving both routine and unusual design challenges with a focus on design simplicity and reliability.
7. Ability to communicate engineering problems and design concepts through presentations to engineers, designers, scientists, and other project partners.
8. Ability to work independently on complex or strategic assignments with minimal supervision.

Working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position may require occasional travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is: $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.