Researcher

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA is seeking a Researcher with strong structural analysis expertise to join the Energy Science and Power Systems Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). This is an on-site position at Penn State.

The role may be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty, with collaboration across R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams to develop and validate mechanical designs from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline.
• Solid understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) principles and tools.
• Structural analysis and mechanical design principles.
• Familiar with ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation.
• CAD software knowledge: Unigraphics, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo.
• Excellent communication and ability to present results.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components and systems.
• Develop, validate, and improve mechanical designs from concept through production.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve structural or mechanical challenges.
• Support prototype builds, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities.
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement, weight reduction, cost reduction, and increased reliability.
• Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

Skills

Structural analysis

FEA principles

Communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Materials Science

Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

ANSYS

Abaqus

SolidWorks Simulation

Unigraphics

Siemens NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a highly motivated Researcher with strong structural analysis expertise to join our Energy Science and Power Systems Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We support our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

RESPONSIBILITIES

You will:

• Perform structural analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems
• Develop, validate, and improve mechanical designs from concept through production
• Collaborate with research and development, manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve structural or mechanical challenges
• Support prototype builds, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities
• Identify opportunities for performance improvement, weight reduction, cost reduction, and increased reliability
• Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS INCLUDE:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Have a solid understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) principles, and analytical tools used in structural analysis and effectively communicate theories and results to colleagues, management, and sponsors, in both written and presentation format
• Structural analysis and mechanical design principles
• Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, etc.)
• CAD software (Unigraphics, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Past success in writing white papers or reports
• Excellent problem solving skills

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE AREAS INCLUDE:

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
• Dynamic, thermal, or fatigue analysis of complex engineering systems
• Knowledge of material selection, manufacturing processes, and GD&T
• Familiarity with testing and validation methods for structural components
• 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 located fully on-site located in State College, PA

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.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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