R&D Mechanical Engineer - Rapid Prototyping for Defense

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the SERP Division in State College, PA. The role focuses on developing hardware and embedded systems for defense-related projects in a shipyard/depot environment.

Work will emphasize research, prototyping, testing, and transition of concepts into operational capabilities. On-site duties in State College, PA are required, with DoD SkillBridge partner status noted for transitioning military members.

Qualifications

• Past success designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems in the field
• Willingness to learn new tools and technologies
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Responsibilities

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities for national security missions
• Plan, perform, and lead studies, modeling, simulation, and prototype demonstrations
• Design, develop, and evaluate hardware, embedded systems, sensors, and related tech
• Apply systems engineering across the project lifecycle including requirements, design trades, integration, risk management
• Prepare technical reports, briefs, and sponsor deliverables documenting methods and findings
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to accomplish program objectives
• Ensure activities comply with sponsor requirements, standards, and security procedures
• Mentor junior engineers and support personnel

Skills

Automation & control systems

Learning new tools

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the SERP Division in State College, PA. The role focuses on developing hardware and embedded systems for defense-related projects in a shipyard/depot environment.

Work will emphasize research, prototyping, testing, and transition of concepts into operational capabilities. On-site duties in State College, PA are required, with DoD SkillBridge partner status noted for transitioning military members.