Mechanical Prototyping Engineer – Rapid Test Fixtures

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Mechanical Technical Engineering Specialist to assist engineers in design, fabrication, documentation, and testing. The role emphasizes on-site shop work, CAD interpretation, and collaboration across teams to support rapid prototyping and DoD-related projects.

The position requires the ability to work with a variety of shop tools, perform precise measurements, and communicate concepts clearly.

Qualifications

• Associate degree; 2+ years relevant experience for Intermediate Professional, or 4+ years for Advanced Professional, or 6+ years for Senior Professional depending on role
• Proficiency interpreting engineering drawings (mechanical and electrical) and CAD familiarity is a plus
• Strong MS Office skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Project) and willingness to learn new tools

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate test fixtures, prototypes and other components under supervision
• Collaborate with engineers and Support Specialists to fabricate and instrument electromechanical assemblies
• Conduct and document laboratory experiments
• Photography and videography support of experiments; digital editing a plus
• Fabricate custom components and hardware per engineer specifications
• Locate and procure hardware/components from various vendors and reconcile expenses
• Assist manager in project progress tracking and costing
• Maintain a clean and organized shop environment
• Lead or support laboratory safety and waste management for one or multiple sites
• Travel domestically for training events, demonstrations, conferences, and equipment deployments
• Support generation of proposals with costing and document formatting
• Identify vendors/outside shops for work and provide oversight for higher-level roles
• Extensive experience performing similar work

Skills

Interpreting engineering drawings

CAD familiarity

Microsoft Office

Communication

Team collaboration

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

3D printing

CNC machining

CNC programming

Laser cutting

MS Project

Job description

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Mechanical Technical Engineering Specialist to assist engineers in design, fabrication, documentation, and testing. The role emphasizes on-site shop work, CAD interpretation, and collaboration across teams to support rapid prototyping and DoD-related projects.

The position requires the ability to work with a variety of shop tools, perform precise measurements, and communicate concepts clearly.