Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College seeks a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to support research and development of new materials, fabrication and testing methods across ceramics, metallics, and composites. You will work with faculty and staff engineers to define task scope and report progress.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining Cold Spray systems, fabricating specimens, documenting procedures, and assisting shop coordination.

Qualifications

• Experience with CNC machining and manual machining
• Knowledge of materials and processing methods including ceramics, metals, and composites
• Familiarity with lab testing procedures and standards
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience with robotics and fabrication equipment is a plus

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample production and Cold Spray process setup
• Fabricate, machine, characterize, and test materials for projects
• Meet with engineers to define task scope and schedule, report progress
• Perform daily specimen fabrication and equipment fabrication/assembly
• Document process parameters and procedures
• Operate and maintain Cold Spray and related systems (including robotic setups)
• Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment; perform facility maintenance as needed
• Assist senior staff in gathering data and archiving results
• Develop procedures and safety documentation for repeatable operations

Skills

CNC Machining

Materials & processes

Robotics

GD&T

Lab testing

Safety practices

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions than can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites.

You will:

• Provide input to and assist with sample production as well as Cold Spray process support equipment setup, design and assembly
• Perform fabrication/machining/characterization/mechanical testing of materials in support of projects
• Meet with faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints, communicate with engineers and project managers to provide progress reports, and facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project
• Perform daily specimen and coupon fabrication operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment
• Document process parameters and processes
• Operate and maintain Cold Spray, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing, and Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition systems, which include both stationary and portable robotics
• Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment as directed
• Perform facility maintenance and repair of capital and test equipment in support of various projects
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field
• Develop documentation of task procedures and process evaluation

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• 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
• Contribute to the management and accountability of laboratory equipment, tools, fixtures, and materials in support of configuration control and asset tracking requirements
• Develop, maintain, and improve technical procedures, fabrication instructions, assembly guides, test protocols, and safety documentation to support repeatable and reliable operations
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• CNC and Manual Machining
• Different types of materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
• Mechanical and electrical systems
• Past success within an industrial environment
• Welding and Sheet metal fabrication
• Electrical wiring (AC and DC)
• Laboratory testing, including test procedures and standards
• Interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• General equipment and routine preventative maintenance
• Machine shop and lab safety practices
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems methodically
• Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology Discipline
• Robotic systems and programming
• Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes as well as Navy material repair techniques including Cold Spray, welding, electroplating, etc.
• Mechanical design and drafting (CAD/CAM)
• Additive manufacturing processes
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background invest