Research and Development Mechanical Engineer

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

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a motivated and inquisitive Mechanical Engineer to join our Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Lifecycle Engineering specializes in developing tangible solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in a shipyard/depot level environment. The mission of the Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division is to provide full spectrum support for the research, evaluation, development, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, fielding, and testing of complex systems which support the warfighter and our nation’s defense. We support the mission of SERP by executing the research, design and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

YOU WILL:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other sponsors and national security missions
• Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
• Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
• Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission‑critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management
• Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvements
• Support development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsors
• Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, research publications, white papers, proposals, briefings, and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods, technical findings, and program status
• Present technical information and research results to sponsors, program managers, technical review boards, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, software developers, technicians, and external research partners to accomplish program objectives
• Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable sponsor requirements, engineering standards, quality requirements, cybersecurity policies, export control regulations, information assurance requirements, and laboratory security procedures
• Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government‑furnished data

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HIGHER‑LEVEL POSITION INCLUDES:

• Manage technical tasks and engineering projects of varying size and complexity, including responsibility for technical performance, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and risk management
• Participate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
• Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
• Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS INCLUDE:

• Past success designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems in the field, including upgrading legacy hardware to modern standards
• Willingness to learn new tools and technologies
• Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective and where problems are not initially defined
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team‑oriented cultures

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS INCLUDE:

• Professional Engineering license
• Solidworks, Siemens NX, AutoCAD, Arduino
• Familiarity with integrating various analog and digital sensing technologies
• Previous Navy, IC, and other federal government customer exposure
• Leading multi‑disciplinary research engineers

SECURITY & CLEARANCE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

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

Your working location will be fully on‑site located in State College, PA.

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

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

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 $105,900.00 - $231,000.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. 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.

PENN STATE POLICIES

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.