Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; University Park (FL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University is seeking a Technical Engineering Specialist to join the ESRD within the Undersea Systems Office. This on-site role in State College, PA may require travel to remote locations and offers a path for higher responsibilities in prototype development and team guidance.

The position emphasizes electronics assembly and testing, equipment calibration, and detailed documentation to support Navy/DoD projects.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; 2+ years relevant experience preferred.
• U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance per ARL/DoD guidelines.
• Strong documentation and communication skills are expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist, perform, or provide input to layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of electronic equipment.
• Assist with material selection and interaction with vendors.
• Assist with calibration, operation, and maintenance of equipment and test systems in the Lab or in the field.
• Assist with gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the Laboratory or off-site.
• Work as part of a test project support team in the Laboratory or off-site.
• Lead portions of prototype development and provide guidance to junior staff (higher-level role).
• Communicate with external collaborators or vendors to support project execution and accurate documentation.

Skills

Electronics & electro-mechanics

Test equipment operation

Basic computer tasks

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Your working location will be located full on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

We are searching for a highly motivated Technical Engineering Specialist to join our The Electronic Fabrication and Test Systems Department (ESRD), part of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The ESRD department drives the development of innovative technical solutions, working closely with engineering and program teams to create mission‑focused systems that meet operational needs. Our work ensures that emerging concepts become practical, effective capabilities for ARL and its customers. In this role, you’ll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative, reliable solutions that support ARL’s mission and strengthen the systems our customers depend on.

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

YOU WILL

• Assist, perform, or provide input to the layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of standard and non-standard electronic equipment
• Assist or evaluate the selection and purchase of materials and components and interact with vendors
• Assist with or install, calibrate, operate and/or maintain standard and non-standard equipment, experimental hardware, and/or computer systems in the Laboratory or in the field, assist with or assess and identifying system faults, repair/adjust standard and non-standard equipment
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the Laboratory or off-site
• Work as part of a test project support team in the Laboratory or off-site

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include

• Perform more complex electrical assembly, integration, and troubleshooting tasks with increased independence.
• Lead portions of prototype development, adapting procedures and resolving non‑routine technical issues.
• Provide guidance and occasional oversight to junior staff.
• Communicate with external collaborators or vendors to support project execution and accurate documentation.

Required Skills/Experience areas include

• Electronics and/or electro-mechanics
• Operating electronic test equipment, and the ability to assemble and test electronic circuitry
• Microsoft Office, with the ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks or learn computer programs

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include

• 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 Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None. If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree. No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education. 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.

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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $46,800.00 - $77,304.00.

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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