Technical Engineering Specialist (Mechanical)

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 51,504 - 113,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Robust retirement plans

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision coverage

Job summary

Penn State University in State College seeks a Technical Engineering Specialist (Mechanical) to support the SERP division at ARL. You will design, fabricate, document and test electromechanical assemblies under engineer supervision, and assist in proposals with costing and formatting.

The role combines desk and shop work (about 50/50) on-site at multiple State College locations, with travel for training and demonstrations; a background in engineering drawings and CAD is preferred, and

Qualifications

• Interpreting engineering drawings (mechanical/electrical) and CAD familiarity preferred.
• Strong MS Office skills and willingness to learn new software tools.
• Ability to operate shop tools, perform precise measurements and interpret drawings.
• Skilled in mechanical assembly and clear communication within teams.
• Ability to work both desk-based and in the shop environment (approx. 50/50).

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate test fixtures, prototypes and components under supervision.
• Collaborate with engineers and Support Specialists to assemble electromechanical systems.
• Conduct and document laboratory experiments.
• Photography and videography support of experiments; digital editing a plus.
• Locate and procure hardware/components; reconcile expenses.
• Assist manager with project progress tracking and costing.
• Maintain a clean, safe, organized shop environment.
• Travel domestically for training, demonstrations, and equipment deployments.
• Support generation of proposals with costing and formatting.
• Identify vendors/shops for work and oversee selected vendors.

Skills

Engineering drawing interpretation

Communication

Team collaboration

Detail oriented

Hybrid work adaptability

Education

Associate Degree

Associate Degree

Associate Degree

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

3D printing

CNC machining

Laser cutting

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a Technical Engineering Specialist (Mechanical) to join our Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. As you learn and grow, you will assist engineers in project execution via design, fabrication, documentation, and test activities. The mission of the Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division is to provide full spectrum support for the research, evaluation, development, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, fielding, and testing of complex systems which support the warfighter and our nation’s defense. We support the mission of SERP by executing the research, design and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Design and fabricate test fixtures, prototypes and other components under the supervision of an engineer.
• Work in teams with engineers and Support Specialists to fabricate and instrument electromechanical assemblies.
• Conduct and document laboratory experiments.
• Photography and videography support of experiments, digital editing a plus.
• Using engineer specifications and shop equipment, fabricate custom components and hardware.
• Locate and procure hardware/components from various vendors and reconcile expenses with the PSU Concur reconciliation program.
• Assist manager in project progress tracking and costing.
• Maintain a clean and organized shop environment.
• Lead or support laboratory safety and waste management for one to multiple sites.
• Travel domestically supporting; training events, demonstrations, conferences, and equipment deployments.
• Support generation of proposals with costing and document formatting.
• Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: Identify vendors/outside shops for work, provide oversight of selected vendors/shops.
• Extensive experience performing similar work.

Required skills/experience areas

• Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings (mechanical and electrical); experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs is a plus.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Project, with the ability and willingness to learn new software tools.
• Ability to operate a variety of shop and hand tools, perform precision measurements, and interpret technical drawings.
• Skilled in mechanical assembly.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate ideas to ensure accurate understanding.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.
• Willingness and capability to perform a hybrid role consisting of approximately 50% desk work and 50% shop work.

Preferred skills/experience areas

• Experience with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Siemens NX.
• Advanced manufacturing capabilities, including 3D printing, CNC machine operation, CNC programming, and laser cutting.
• Demonstrated success in procurement and reconciliation activities within Department of Defense environments.
• Knowledge of chemical management practices and Hazmat handling procedures.
• 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.

Location

Your working location will be fully on-site between multiple locations in the State College Area. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Advanced Professional

Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None

Senior Professional

Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None

Intermediate Professional

Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. 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.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,504.00 - $113,100.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure.

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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.

Values

Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land‑grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.