Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University (ARL) is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department in State College, PA. The role focuses on developing material systems, new fabrication methods, and testing processes across ceramics, metals, and composites.

Responsibilities include operating and maintaining Cold Spray, AM, and deposition systems, performing machining, documentation, and collaboration with engineers to

Qualifications

• Experience with fabrication, machining, and material testing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Familiarity with cold spray, additive manufacturing, and deposition processes.
• Experience in an industrial environment with maintenance and repair of lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Provide input to sample production and support equipment setup.
• Fabricate, machine, test, and characterize materials.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff to define task scope and resources.
• Document parameters, procedures, and test results.
• Operate and maintain Cold Spray and related systems.
• Inspect and calibrate equipment; perform facility maintenance.

Skills

CNC machining

GD&T

Welding

Mechanical testing

Electrical wiring

Robotics

Material systems

Project coordination

Education

Associate Degree

4+ years relevant experience

Tools

CAD/CAM

Job description

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.

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 that 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.

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

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 investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

WORKING LOCATION

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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

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

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.

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 $51,504.00 - $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.