Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

Penn State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) to support the Manufacturing, Fabrication and Assembly Department in State College, PA, working on electro-mechanical systems for undersea applications.

You will design support, fabrication, assembly, testing, and documentation; coordinate machining, ensure safety, and contribute to experimental setups and field tests in collaboration with engineers and sponsors.

Qualifications

• Proficient with mechanical tools and basic electrical components.
• Able to read engineering drawings and identify parts.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply mechanical engineering principles to support R&D activities, including design support, layout, fabrication, machining coordination, assembly, integration, and testing of experimental hardware.
• Assist in development and refinement of experimental setups and subsystems to meet sponsor objectives.
• Perform inspection, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and subsystems.
• Ensure safe operation of laboratory and field test equipment by following safety protocols and standards.
• Support field test environments, instrumentation integration, and post-test recovery.
• Maintain accurate documentation of designs, configurations, fabrication records, and test results.
• Identify failures; conduct root-cause analysis; implement corrective actions with engineering staff.
• Communicate project status and technical findings to leadership.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams for planning, system integration, and testing in lab and field.
• Support fabrication and machine shop coordination translating drawings to components.

Skills

Mechanical tools

Attention to detail

Minimal supervision

Engineering drawings

Electrical components

Communication

Technical writing

MS Office

Education

Associate degree in electro-mechanical or mechanical field

Tools

CAD programs

Non-CNC machine shop equipment

Job description

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 a Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) to join the Manufacturing, Fabrication and Assembly (MF&A) Department of the Engineering Systems Research and Development (ESRD) Division within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.

The mission of ESRD is to develop and maintain expertise in the research, development, assembly, integration, and delivery of specialty electro-mechanical systems for undersea applications.

This role will support a wide range of tasking to support applied research, development, prototyping, integration, fabrication, and testing activities in support of the military.

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

You will:

• Apply mechanical engineering principles and technical practices to support research and development activities, including design support, layout, fabrication, machining coordination, assembly, integration, and testing of experimental hardware, prototype systems, and facility-based research equipment
• Assist in the development, modification, and refinement of experimental setups, mechanical subsystems, test fixtures, tooling, and prototype assemblies to meet project and sponsor objectives
• Perform inspection, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and subsystems, including structural assemblies, fluid systems, rotating equipment, and integrated electromechanical test setups
• Ensure safe and reliable operation of laboratory and field test equipment by following established safety protocols, engineering standards, and operational procedures
• Support field test environments, including instrumentation integration and post-test system recovery
• Maintain accurate and controlled documentation of mechanical designs, equipment configurations, fabrication records, maintenance logs, calibration data, and test results in accordance with laboratory, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
• Identify mechanical system failures and performance issues; conduct root-cause analysis; document findings; implement corrective actions in coordination with engineering staff
• Communicate project status, technical findings, resource needs, and operational challenges to engineering and project leadership
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams supporting experimental planning, system integration, test execution, data collection, and analysis in both laboratory and field environments
• Support fabrication and machine shop coordination, ensuring accurate translation of engineering drawings into physical components and assemblies
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability
• Assist in compiling, organizing, and archiving experimental data, technical records, and test documentation in support of sponsor reporting, research publications, and program deliverables
• May provide limited task leadership for defined mechanical build, fabrication, or field test activities under engineering direction

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Proficient in the use of mechanical tools
• Very high attention to detail
• Work with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments
• Understand engineering drawings and identify parts for those drawings
• Understand mechanical, electrical and electronic components
• Clearly communicate with engineers, technicians and suppliers
• Proficient writing skills to document work processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, with the ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks and learn computer programs

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Advanced proficiency in electro-mechanical hand tools
• Advanced expertise in electro-mechanical techniques
• Familiarity with non-CNC machine shop equipment
• Proficiency with CAD programs
• An associate's degree in an electro-mechanical or mechanical field of study
• 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

If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None

If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (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, Mechanical (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

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 $46,800.00 - $102,900.00.

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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