Mechanical Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 81,312 - 137,280; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to support materials research, fabrication and testing, and process development for a range of material systems including ceramics and composites.

This on-site role involves collaboration with faculty, engineers, and project managers to advance new material designs and manufacturing methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology with 4+ years related experience.
• Experience in machining, both CNC and manual, and in an industrial setting.
• Familiarity with welding, sheet metal fabrication, electrical wiring, and GD&T.
• Ability to read procedures and follow test standards in a lab/plant.
• Strong organizational and communication skills for project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to sample production and set up cold spray process equipment.
• Fabricate, machine, characterize, and test materials for projects.
• Coordinate with faculty, engineers, and project managers; report progress.
• Fabricate daily specimens and test coupons; assemble facility equipment.
• Document process parameters and procedures; maintain equipment.
• Operate and maintain cold spray systems and robotics, stationary or portable.
• Inspect, test and calibrate equipment as directed; perform maintenance.
• Archive test data and assist senior staff with documentation.
• Develop task procedures and process evaluation documentation.

Skills

Machining (CNC)

Manual machining

Robotics

GD&T

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Sheet metal fabrication

Welding

CAD/CAM

Laboratory testing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science

Tools

CNC machining equipment

Fabrication tools

Testing instruments

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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking individuals with knowledge across a range of competencies including Design and Analysis, Model and Simulation, Process Development and Optimization, and Characterization and Testing. The successful candidate will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites.

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

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.

You will:

• Provide input to and assist with sample production as well as Cold Spray process support equipment setup, design and assembly
• Perform fabrication/machining/characterization/mechanical testing of materials in support of projects
• Meet with faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints, communicate with engineers and project managers to provide progress reports and facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project
• Perform daily specimen and coupon fabrication operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment
• Document process parameters and processes
• Operate and maintain Cold Spray, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing and Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition systems which include both stationary and portable robotics
• Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment as directed
• Perform facility maintenance and repair of capital and test equipment in support of various projects
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field
• Develop documentation of task procedures and process evaluation

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology Discipline and 4+ years related experience
• Strong foundation in machining including CNC and Manual Machining
• Past success using different types of materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems
• Understanding of how to work in an industrial environment
• Laboratory testing and ability to follow test procedures and standards
• Welding
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Electrical wiring (AC and DC)
• Past success interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• General equipment maintenance and routine preventative maintenance
• Machine shop setting/ lab safety practices
• Success in a technical environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated ability to work through problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
• Microsoft Office

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Additive manufacturing and/or Cold Spray
• Robotic systems and programming
• Working understanding of Navy Shipyard operations
• Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes as well as Navy material repair techniques including Cold Spray, welding, electroplating, etc.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM
• Mechanical design and drafting
• Additive manufacturing
• 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

Your working location will be fully on‑site located in State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a team of researchers, engineers, technologists, and support specialists.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional (inactive), this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science; 2+ years of relevant experience; Required Certifications: None. If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Professional (inactive), this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science; No prior relevant work experience required; 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.

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 $81,312.00 – $137,280.00.

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.

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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