R&D Mechanical Engineer: Defense Prototyping & Systems

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 105,900 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Full-time benefits

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in the SERP Division. You will contribute to research, development, rapid prototyping, and testing of complex systems supporting warfighter capabilities.

The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, sensors, and cybersecurity, while complying with sponsor requirements and laboratory procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science is required.
• Experience designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems.
• Ability to learn new tools and technologies and adapt to complex environments.
• Proven ability to collaborate in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures.

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative R&D, testing, and evaluation to address defense challenges.
• Plan, perform, and lead studies, simulations, experiments, and prototype demonstrations.
• Design and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, and sensors.
• Apply systems engineering across requirements, architecture, verification, and risk management.
• Develop experimental plans, data collection methods, and performance metrics.
• Prepare technical reports, white papers, and sponsor deliverables; present results to sponsors.

Skills

Automation & control systems

Learning mindset

Communication & organization

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

Solidworks

Siemens NX

AutoCAD

Arduino

Job description

Penn State University in State College, PA, is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in the SERP Division. You will contribute to research, development, rapid prototyping, and testing of complex systems supporting warfighter capabilities.

The role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams across hardware, software, sensors, and cybersecurity, while complying with sponsor requirements and laboratory procedures.