Research and Development Test Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount (75%)

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University seeks a highly motivated Research & Development Test Engineer for the Energy Science and Power Systems Division at ARL. The role will plan, set up, and execute experimental tests on on-site facilities in State College, PA, with DoD clearance considerations.

Responsibilities include developing test plans, performing risk analyses, configuring test benches, and collaborating on fixtures. Strong instrumentation and CAD skills are required, with a Master's preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science is required.
• 2+ years of relevant experience is required.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Proficient CAD skills with NX/SolidWorks/Creo.
• Strong documentation and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans for multi-disciplinary hardware systems.
• Perform risk reduction and safety analyses with engineers.
• Conduct functional/environmental/performance tests using lab instruments.
• Set up test benches, sensors, and data acquisition hardware.
• Fabricate test hardware and fixtures in collaboration with staff.
• Analyze data, identify anomalies, and support root-cause investigations.

Skills

Laboratory instrumentation

Problem solving

Documentation

CAD software

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location can/will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. We are searching for a highly motivated Research & Development Test Engineer to join the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ESPS is focused on developing novel energy sources and power producing systems mainly for underwater applications by maintaining core skills in the area of thermo-fluid systems, chemical reactions, high-speed machinery, structural analysis, and automation & controls. This role will plan, setup and execute experimental tests, analyze results, and update test objectives to obtain meaningful results. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for multi-disciplinary hardware systems
• Perform test risk reduction activities and safety analyses with other engineers
• Conduct functional, environmental, and performance tests using laboratory instrumentation
• Set up, configure, and verify test benches, fixtures, sensors, data acquisition hardware, and other measurement equipment
• Collaborate with engineering support staff to fabricate test hardware, prototypes, and fixtures
• Collect, analyze, and document test data; identify anomalies; and support root cause investigation
• Contribute to the development and improvement of qualification processes and quality procedures for engineering support staff

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Laboratory instrumentation such as mass flow meters, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, data acquisition systems (e.g. NI hardware and software)
• Strong problem-solving ability with willingness to work hands‑on with hardware
• Clear and organized documentation skills
• CAD software (e.g. Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Past success working with and testing hazardous energetic materials, familiarity with the various safety measures and necessary documentation
• Verification and validation methods for thermal-fluid systems
• Structural, thermal, and fluid flow FEA of complex engineering systems (ANSYS preferred)
• Analytical chemistry instrumentation (e.g. mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph)
• Exposure to quality control standards, best practices for manufacturing, and qualification of engineering support staff

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 - Test (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Test (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

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 $80,100.00 - $152,004.00.

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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.

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