Mechanical Structural Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking highly motivated Mechanical Engineers with strong structural analysis expertise to join the ARL Energy Science and Power Systems Division at Penn State in State College, PA. On-site position supporting DoD-related research and collaborations across R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams.

The role emphasizes FEA-driven design, prototype support, and continuous improvement, with opportunities for large-scale impact in national security projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) principles and analytical tools used in structural analysis.
• Structural analysis and mechanical design principles.
• Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, etc.).
• CAD software (Unigraphics, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding.
• Past success in writing white papers or reports.
• Excellent problem solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop, validate, and improve mechanical designs from concept through production
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve structural or mechanical challenges
• Support prototype builds, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement, weight reduction, cost reduction, and increased reliability

Skills

FEA principles

ANSYS

Abaqus

SolidWorks Sim

CAD software

Technical communication

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Unigraphics

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking highly motivated Mechanical Engineers with strong structural analysis expertise to join our Energy Science and Power Systems Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

We support our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet.

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform structural analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop, validate, and improve mechanical designs from concept through production
• Collaborate with research and development, manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve structural or mechanical challenges
• Support prototype builds, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement, weight reduction, cost reduction, and increased reliability

REQUIRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Have a solid understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) principles, and analytical tools used in structural analysis and effectively communicate theories and results to colleagues, management, and sponsors, in both written and presentation format
• Structural analysis and mechanical design principles
• Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, etc.)
• CAD software (Unigraphics, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Past success in writing white papers or reports
• Excellent problem solving skills

PREFERRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Dynamic, thermal, or fatigue analysis of complex engineering systems
• Knowledge of material selection, manufacturing processes, and GD&T
• Familiarity with testing and validation methods for structural components

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

PA MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
• If filled as Research and Development 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

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.

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $173,844.00.

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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