Mechanical Engineering Technologist

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking experienced Mechanical Engineering Support Specialists to join the Experimental Support Department within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at Penn State ARL. You will collaborate with engineers to fabricate, assemble, install, and test mechanical systems and instrumentation for large-scale undersea models and simulations.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience and prior exposure to energetic

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering and 6+ years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience handling energetic materials and understanding hazards in energetics work.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and adjust procedures when needed.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers and support specialists daily.
• Fabricate and assemble prototype mechanical systems and test hardware.
• Install, calibrate, and use precision testing instrumentation.
• Conduct mechanical and electrical troubleshooting of test equipment.
• Assist with collecting, analyzing, and documenting test data.

Skills

Energetic materials handling

Mechanical assembly

Test instrumentation troubleshooting

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

3D CAD

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking experienced Mechanical Engineering Support Specialists to join the Experimental Support Department within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. USO designs, develops, validates, and maintains a suite of large-scale undersea warfare models and simulations used by technology developers, analysts, the Navy, and allied partners. We serve as a research center of excellence in undersea weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and advanced sonars. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Collaborate daily with engineers and engineering support specialists
• Provide feedback and recommendations to design engineers to improve designs and/or manufacturability
• Handle energetic materials in accordance with safe practices and established procedures
• Fabricate and assemble prototype mechanical systems and test hardware
• Assist with developing and writing detailed assembly procedures
• Install, calibrate, and use precision testing instrumentation
• Install and verify complex test setups using standard and non-standard equipment
• Conduct mechanical and electrical troubleshooting of test equipment
• Conduct or assist in conducting small-scale to system-level tests in accordance with established procedures
• Assist with collecting, compiling, analyzing, and documenting test data for relevant engineering personnel
• Aid in the control and safe disposal of hazardous and other laboratory materials
• Recommend, source, and procure materials and parts for system manufacturing and testing

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

• Managing A&E-related storage, handling, and transportation operations
• Demonstrating proficiency with mechanical drawings and geometric tolerancing
• Writing standard operating procedures and maintenance plans
• Assigning work to other support staff
• Designing and implementing new or modified fabrication hardware

This position is fully on-site in State College, PA. Questions regarding flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Required skills/experience:

• Prior experience handling energetic materials
• Understanding of general hazards associated with energetics work and common mitigation practices
• Ability to make informed adjustments to established procedures while maintaining safety requirements
• Familiarity with the assembly, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks with minimal supervision after appropriate training

Preferred skills/experience:

• Graduate of the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD)
• Working knowledge of ATF/DOT standards for storage and transportation of Hazard Class (HC) 1 items
• Familiarity with DoD Manual 4145.26, DoD Contractor’s Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives
• Familiarity with Defense Explosive Safety Regulation (DESR) 6055.09
• Experience using and calibrating instrumentation such as thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, and flow meters
• Working knowledge of wiring, electronics, and electronic principles
• Knowledge of or experience with weld design and basic MIG or TIG welding and/or resistance tack welding operations
• 3D modeling software/CAD such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or Siemens NX
• Past success fabricating hydraulic systems, tube bending, and using tube fittings such as Swagelok
• Developing and/or writing assembly procedures
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret or Top Secret level, with the ability to obtain a clearance upgrade if required

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

If filled as Engineering Technologist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required Certifications: None

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 $80,100.00 - $152,004.00.

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.

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.

OUR VALUES

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.