R&D Mechanical Engineer: On-Site Prototyping & Innovation

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Mechanical Engineer for the ARL SHARP department in State College, PA. The role emphasizes hands-on design analyses, fabrication, testing, and multidisciplinary collaboration to advance defense-related systems.

The position involves independent research, development, and field demonstrations, with opportunities to author papers and participate in technology transition efforts within unclassified and classified environments.

Qualifications

• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
• Ability to propose written ideas clearly and concisely.
• Comfort working in ill-defined problem spaces and turning them into solutions.
• Designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems in the field.
• Fabricating prototype equipment in office and shop environments.
• Operates large fabrication equipment safely (lathes, welders, mills, soldering irons).
• Generating formal drawings and three-dimensional models.

Responsibilities

• Assist or manage concept development and participate in design analyses of engineering systems.
• Identify technical issues and develop long-term solutions aligned with customer needs.
• Lead tasks within projects and coordinate with research teams.
• Contribute to papers, proposals, and presentations.
• Conduct R&D activities to solve complex engineering challenges for DoD sponsors.
• Apply established and emerging engineering principles to innovate solutions.
• Plan and lead analytical studies, modeling, simulations, and prototype demos.

Skills

Team collaboration

Automation & control systems

Prototyping

Documentation & drawings

Research & analysis

Independent problem solving

Field and shop fabrication

3D modeling & drafting

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Tools

Solidworks

Siemens

NX

AutoCAD

Arduino

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Mechanical Engineer for the ARL SHARP department in State College, PA. The role emphasizes hands-on design analyses, fabrication, testing, and multidisciplinary collaboration to advance defense-related systems.

The position involves independent research, development, and field demonstrations, with opportunities to author papers and participate in technology transition efforts within unclassified and classified environments.