Mechanical Research & Development Engineer

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 105,900 - 200,808; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

DoD SkillBridge partner

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a Mechanical Research and Development Engineer for the Advanced Design & Analysis Department at ARL. You will design, analyze, and test structures and multi-material assemblies, including fiber-reinforced polymers and advanced materials.

The role requires performing analytical modeling, developing CAD-based designs, and validating models through lab testing. Collaboration with senior engineers and mentorship are key aspects of this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizen to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior, component interactions, and overall design performance.
• Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using mechanical CAD software.
• Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models.
• Adapt across CAD modeling, MATLAB/Python scripting, analytical modeling, and supporting experimental testing.
• Collaborate with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in modeling, design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering practices.
• Support system and subsystem integration by analyzing interfaces and ensuring compatibility.
• Perform detailed finite element analysis of multi-material systems as part of design and integration activities.

Skills

Finite element analysis

CAD design

Programming (MATLAB/Python)

Adaptability

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a high motivated Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join our Advanced Design & Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

This role will involve designing, analyzing, and testing structures and systems, including multi-material assemblies, including fiber-reinforced polymer composite structures and other advanced materials.

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

You will

• Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior, component interactions, and overall design performance
• Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using mechanical CAD software
• Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models
• Flexibly to adapt across a variety of technical tasks, including CAD modeling, scripting in MATLAB/Python, analytical modeling, and supporting experimental testing
• Collaborate closely with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in modeling, design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering practices
• Support system and subsystem integration efforts by analyzing interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and contributing to the development of fully integrated system architectures
• Perform detailed finite element analysis of multi-material systems as part of broader design and integration activities, supporting structural evaluation, system modeling, and engineering decision-making

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position

• Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data
• Participate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
• Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
• Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community

Required Skills/Experience areas

• Finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and structural analysis of multi-material systems
• CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
• Programming skills (MATLAB/Python)
• Ability to quickly adapt to diverse engineering tasks and changing project priorities
• Demonstrated collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

Preferred Skills/Experience areas

• Abaqus or similar advanced FEA software
• Past success with multi-material assemblies and integrated system architectures
• Mechanical testing methods and laboratory experiments
• Modeling, subsystem integration, or interface analysis

Working Location

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

Education & Experience Requirements

R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• 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 $105,900.00 - $200,808.00.

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.

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About Penn State

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.