Research and Development Engineer - Mechanical

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 121,704 - 231,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join the Mechanical Systems Design Department in ARL. You will design, analyze, build, and test hardware for undersea applications from concept to development, supporting DoD and other government agencies.

The role requires sophisticated design and analysis skills, including 3D CAD, GD&T, and test plan development, with opportunities to mentor junior engineers and lead project work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• Proficiency reading mechanical drawings and 3D CAD.
• GD&T ANSI Y14.5 understanding.
• Ability to perform hand calculations and stress analysis.
• Experience packaging electromechanical assemblies.
• Develop test plans and procedures.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze requirements, identify problems, and develop innovative solution concepts.
• Design structures, mechanisms, actuation systems, and bearing systems.
• Collaborate with design and drafting to create and approve drawings.
• Develop assembly and test procedures.
• Work with technicians to assemble and test systems.
• Support field testing and project planning.

Skills

Machined components

3D CAD

GD&T

Free body diagrams

Electromechanical packaging

Test plans

Team communication

Education

Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Siemens NX 3D modeling

Structural/thermal FEA

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for Mechanical Engineers to join the Mechanical Systems Design Department within the Engineering Systems Research and Development Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will design, analyze, build, and test hardware for undersea applications from concept to development and through transition using a board scope of Division technical expertise in core engineering disciplines. The worked performed in this position directly supports the development, fabrication, assembly, integration and testing of hardware and software systems in support of undersea applications supporting the United States Armed Forces and other government agencies. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will

• Analyze requirements, identify problems, and develop innovative solution concepts
• Design structures, mechanisms, actuation systems, and bearing systems
• Work with the design and drafting department to create and approve drawings
• Develop assembly and test procedures
• Work with technicians to perform assembly and testing of systems and subsystems
• Support field testing
• Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: Plan and perform technical tasks of a larger scope and lead teams within the project scope Manage projects of moderate size and scope; plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work Mentor junior engineers in the development of technical and project skills

Required Skills/Experience areas include

• Design of complex machined components and subsystems
• 3D CAD design and engineering drawing development
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
• Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T ANSI Y14.5)
• Proficiency in completing free body diagrams; using hand calculations to calculate forces and resultant stresses on structures
• Packaging of complex electromechanical assemblies
• Development of test plans and procedures
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include

• Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Siemens NX 3D modeling
• Structural or thermal finite element analysis
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.