Mechanical Research & Development Engineer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to design, analyze, and test multi-material assemblies, including composites. Hybrid on-site/remote work is possible with location in State College, PA.

The role involves CAD modeling, MATLAB/Python scripting, and collaboration with senior engineers to advance sophisticated defense-related projects while safeguarding sensitive information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.
• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• No required certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior.
• Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using CAD software.
• Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models.
• Mentor junior engineers and support interdisciplinary engineering practices.
• Support system integration and analysis of interfaces across architectures.

Skills

FEA modeling

CAD: SolidWorks

Programming: MATLAB/Python

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Tools

Abaqus

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 includes:

• 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 include:

• 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 include:

• 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ 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.

Your working location can be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site location is State College, PA.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARAN