Polymer & Composite R&D Engineer for Defense

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Materials Research and Development Engineer to advance polymer and composite technologies in defense and industrial applications. You will contribute to design, fabrication, testing, and evaluation of advanced polymer structures and multi-material systems in a collaborative AMME environment.

This on-site, State College, PA role involves leading technical tasks, mentoring junior engineers, engaging with sponsors, and ensuring

Qualifications

• Polymer structure-property relationships and the ability to produce new thermoset materials with specific properties.
• Thermoset elastomer development.
• Process development of prototype structures.
• Proficiency with materials characterization techniques (mechanical testing, DMA, DSC, chemical analysis).
• Understanding of relationships between composition, microstructure, processing, and material properties.
• Polymer processing and characterization methods.
• Testing and characterization methods for composite materials.
• Project engineering or management.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly in writing.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the research, design, development, and fabrication of advanced polymer and composite structures.
• Perform fabrication, characterization, testing, and evaluation with quality.
• Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects as Task Lead or Principal Investigator.
• Present findings to sponsors and customers; coordinate meetings.
• Develop test plans, bills of materials, technical reports, and project documentation.
• Provide regular status updates to investigators and engineering staff.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to meet milestones.
• Maintain a safe, compliant lab environment.

Skills

Polymer structure-property

Thermoset elastomer development

Prototype process development

Materials characterization

Structure-property understanding

Polymer processing methods

Composite testing methods

Project engineering/management

Written communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Materials Research and Development Engineer to advance polymer and composite technologies in defense and industrial applications. You will contribute to design, fabrication, testing, and evaluation of advanced polymer structures and multi-material systems in a collaborative AMME environment.

This on-site, State College, PA role involves leading technical tasks, mentoring junior engineers, engaging with sponsors, and ensuring