Vibrations and Acoustics Research Faculty

Penn State University; University Park (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Vibrations and Acoustics Research Faculty to advance flow-induced vibration studies and acoustics across turbines, marine vehicles, and renewable energy contexts. You will lead experimental design, data analysis, and collaborative projects with engineers and academics.

The role emphasizes developing modeling approaches, publishing findings, and contributing to proposals while engaging with DoD and industry sponsors.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in computational fluid dynamics and acoustics.
• Ability to analyze experimental data and generate reports.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, and operate test articles and experiments at ARL facilities and field sites.
• Acquire, analyze, and evaluate test data; prepare experiments.
• Author reports, presentations, and papers for technical audiences.

Skills

Computational fluid dynamics

Acoustics

Flow-induced vibrations

Data analysis & reporting

Team collaboration

Communication

Tools

MATLAB

Python

C/C++

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be full on-site located in State College, PA.

We are searching for a Vibrations and Acoustics Research Faculty to join the Flow Acoustics Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Department is part of the Acoustics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, which has a long, successful history of providing innovative solutions and technology to a range of U.S. Government and Industry sponsors. This role will support and conduct basic and applied research in flow-induced vibrations, investigating a wide range of areas of acoustics interest, including turbulent flows, marine vehicles, turbomachinery, and renewable energy production.

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

You will:

• Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL facilities, government test facilities, and field sites


• Work as part of a team to acquire, analyze and evaluate test data, including hands‑on preparation and execution of experiments


• Author/co‑author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical personnel


• Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty


• Perform analytical and theoretical studies in the general field of fluid dynamics and acoustics, and identify and perform appropriate numerical and analytical modeling


• Utilize advanced unsteady force measurement techniques


• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope in experimental fluid dynamics and acoustics


• Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research


• Develop and maintain external research relationships

Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Computational and/or experimental fluid dynamics and acoustics


• Computational acoustics methods such as forcing function modelling, radiated noise predictions, or other computational methods development


• Flow excitation mechanisms such as gust response and turbulent boundary layer excitation


• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding


• Past success in writing white papers or reports


• Experience collaborating in multi‑disciplinary, team‑oriented cultures

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Design and execution of experiments using wind or water tunnels


• Proficiency in programming within the Matlab environment, Python, or in a compiled language such as C/C++


• 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

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 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.