Mechanical R&D Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 266,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead sponsor engagement and drive ground vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research within ARL. You will help shape research directions by translating operational challenges into actionable R&D objectives and mentor teams across sustainment concepts.

The role emphasizes strategic engagement with military stakeholders, including USMC, Army, and joint logistics communities, and requires deep experience in defense R&D

Qualifications

• Senior NCO, Warrant Officer, or Commissioned Officer experience within U.S. military Engineer, Motor Transport, or Ordnance communities.
• Previous service as a U.S. Marine Corps logistics officer or comparable operational logistics role.
• Military acquisition process, including requirements development and sustainment integration.
• Ground vehicle operations, including both vehicle systems and associated IT/logistics support systems.
• Automotive maintenance, sustainment engineering, or vehicle lifecycle management.
• Past success developing and maintaining sponsor relationships in defense R&D environments.
• Ability to clearly communicate complex sustainment challenges and technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development and sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research portfolios.
• Maintain and expand strategic relationships with military stakeholders, especially within the USMC, Army, and joint logistics communities.
• Provide subject-matter expertise on military ground vehicle operations, sustainment processes, and enabling IT systems.
• Shape research directions by translating operational sustainment challenges into actionable R&D objectives.
• Support and guide project teams in vehicle investigation, readiness analytics, cyber-secure maintenance operations, and related technologies.
• Mentor staff in sponsor engagement, program execution, and operational sustainment concepts.
• Serve as an advisor on military acquisition pathways and requirements processes relevant to sustainment technologies.
• Contribute to proposal development, program planning, and strategic road‑mapping for ASTD.

Skills

Senior military leadership

Military logistics operations

Sponsor engagement

Defence R&D liaison

Technical communication

Operational sustainment

Strategic roadmapping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science

Job description

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

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

We are searching for a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to join The Vehicle Investigation & Cybersecurity Department within the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking a senior technical and operational leader to drive sponsor engagement, guide ground vehicle sustainment research, and strengthen ARL’s relationships across the military. This role will support the division’s mission to advance next‑generation sustainment technologies, readiness analytics, vehicle systems resilience, and cyber‑secure maintenance capabilities. The ideal candidate brings deep operational expertise in military ground vehicle operations, direct experience with sustainment engineering, and a track record of shaping, growing, and maintaining sponsor relationships in defense R&D.

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

You Will

• Lead business development and sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research portfolios
• Maintain and expand strategic relationships with military stakeholders, especially within the USMC, Army, and joint logistics communities
• Provide subject‑matter expertise on military ground vehicle operations, sustainment processes, and enabling IT systems
• Shape research directions by translating operational sustainment challenges into actionable R&D objectives
• Support and guide project teams in vehicle investigation, readiness analytics, cyber‑secure maintenance operations, and related technologies
• Mentor staff in sponsor engagement, program execution, and operational sustainment concepts
• Serve as an advisor on military acquisition pathways and requirements processes relevant to sustainment technologies
• Contribute to proposal development, program planning, and strategic road‑mapping for ASTD

Required Skills/Experience areas include

• Senior NCO, Warrant Officer, or Commissioned Officer experience within U.S. military Engineer, Motor Transport, or Ordnance communities
• Previous service as a U.S. Marine Corps logistics officer or comparable operational logistics role
• Military acquisition process, including requirements development and sustainment integration
• Ground vehicle operations, including both vehicle systems and associated IT/logistics support systems
• Automotive maintenance, sustainment engineering, or vehicle lifecycle management
• Past success developing and maintaining sponsor relationships in defense R&D environments
• Ability to clearly communicate complex sustainment challenges and technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include

• Supporting or advising R&D organizations on vehicle sustainment technologies
• Cyber considerations for vehicle systems, maintenance processes, or diagnostic tools
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and guiding research portfolios
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, logistics, or related field (military equivalent experience also considered)
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None. If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None.

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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. 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 $140,004.00 - $265,704.00. 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. 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.

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