Mechanical Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for their Opto-Mechanical System Department. This role involves designing and testing advanced optical systems and requires strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team environment. Join a dynamic team dedicated to solving national challenges in engineering and technology.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous 75% tuition discount for employees and families

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Eligibility for Secret Clearance.
• Ability to work independently and adapt to changing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze components for optical systems using various engineering tools.
• Integrate and test optical systems at component and system levels.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on applied research projects.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Solidworks

ANSYS

MATLAB

Job description

Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineer role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineer role at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

• 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.
  
  

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.
  
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Opto-Mechanical System Department team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ARL’s purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and Intelligence communities engineering and technology needs. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving lasers, sensors, and electro-optical technology.

This position will be located in Freeport, PA.

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

You will:

• Design and analyze components utilized for HEL, imaging and other EO systems utilizing design tools such as Solidworks, ANSYS, Sigfit, MATLAB, and others for size, weight, stiffness, and performance over temperature, vibration, and inertial loads.
• Work with optical engineers to iterate designs based on analysis results and impact to image quality, pointing stability, thermal creep, etc.
• Develop drawings with specification for fabrication including tolerances, finish, etc. Work with vendors on requirements and manufacture-ability.
• Integrate and test at the component and system level. Conduct field testing of optical systems at sponsor facilities and outdoor test ranges.
  
  

Required skills and experience includes:

• Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team and adapt to changing requirements
• Eligibility for Secret Clearance
• Travel, at times up to 25%, will be required/expected to support programs.
  
  

Preferred skills and experience includes:

• Optical sciences or related field
• Mechanical design and analysis software such as Solidworks, ProE, ANSYS, etc.
• Technical leadership involving derivation of requirements, guiding other engineers, and leading of trade analysis
• Development of opto-mechanical systems or mechanical structures with size, weight, and stiffness requirements
• Manufacturing including machining, welding, adhesives, and finishing
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, speaking with ease to very senior and large audiences
• An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable
  
  

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

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.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $115,100.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Research

• Industries

  Government Administration

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University by 2x

Get notified about new Mechanical Engineer jobs in Freeport, PA.

New Grad! Mechanical Engineer - Plant Layout (Hybrid)

Mechanical Engineers - 2025 College Graduates

Greater Pittsburgh Region $100,000.00-$115,000.00 1 day ago

Freeport, PA $86,300.00-$164,000.00 7 months ago

New Grad! Mechanical Engineer - Plant Layout (Hybrid)

New Kensington, PA $75,000.00-$120,000.00 6 days ago

Mechanical Engineers - 2025 College Graduates

Freeport, PA $109,300.00-$191,000.00 7 months ago

Mechanical Engineers - 2025 College Graduates

Pittsburgh, PA $81,000.00-$137,000.00 1 week ago

Mechanical Engineers - 2025 College Graduates

Pittsburgh, PA $100,000.00-$130,000.00 2 days ago

Product Specialist-Recent Mechanical Engineer College Graduates!

Monroeville, PA $66,800.00-$126,280.00 2 weeks ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.