Research and Development Mechanical Engineer

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

**POSITION SPECIFICS**Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for talented and motivated Mechanical Engineers to join the Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department (SHARP) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking an individual with knowledge across a range of competencies including developing tangible solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in a shipyard/depot level environment. ARL has a decades long reputation of excellence and demonstrated history of developing systems and technologies currently used by the US Navy and Industry. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. **You will:** * Assist or manage concept development and participate in the design analyses of engineering systems independently evaluating, selecting, and applying scientific or engineering procedures and techniques* Recognize discrepancies/identify problems and related technical issues leading to long term, generic solutions; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer needs* Perform tasks of a moderate to larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope; assemble and collaborate with research team members to work on specific research areas* Initiate, contribute to, or author/co-author papers, technical proposals, presentations, and reports; present as necessary* Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense 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 **Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:** * Collaborate with and provide technical leadership to other team members to accomplish organizational goals; provide innovative ideas to improve organizational efficiency at group and department levels* Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data* 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**: * Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures* Candidates should be inquisitive, proactive, and interested in learning new tools, and technologies* Past success providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension* Past success working in an environment where problems are often not initially well-defined* Designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems in the field, including upgrading legacy hardware to modern standards* Past success working both in an office and shop environment fabricating prototype equipment* Past success safely using large fabrication equipment including lathes, welders, mills, and soldering irons* Generating formal drawings and three-dimensional models**Preferred skills/experience areas include**: * Professional Engineering license* Past success leading teams of engineers on various projects* Solidworks, Siemens, NX, AutoCAD, and Arduino* Integrating various analog and digital sensing technologies* Previous Military and classified work* 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) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None### ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers. **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 $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.