R&D Mechanical Engineer – Advanced Prototyping

Penn State; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 105,900 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to join the ARL SERP division for lifecycle engineering and rapid prototyping. You will lead and participate in research, testing, and field demonstrations, applying systems engineering across requirements, architecture, and verification.

Strong collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams is essential. The role supports government sponsors, with on-site work and eligibility for security clearances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional track.
• Experience designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative R&D activities to solve complex challenges.
• Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, models, simulations, and prototyping.
• Design and integrate hardware, software, sensors, and embedded systems.
• Apply systems engineering throughout the project lifecycle and manage risk.
• Prepare reports, briefs, and sponsor deliverables with technical findings.

Skills

Automation and control systems

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Solidworks

Siemens NX

AutoCAD

Arduino

Job description

Penn State University in State College, PA, seeks a Mechanical Engineer to join the ARL SERP division for lifecycle engineering and rapid prototyping. You will lead and participate in research, testing, and field demonstrations, applying systems engineering across requirements, architecture, and verification.

Strong collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams is essential. The role supports government sponsors, with on-site work and eligibility for security clearances.