Architectural Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

About The Position

The College of Engineering (CoE) Architectural Engineer provides engineering expertise to support multidisciplinary research, instruction, and laboratory operations. This role collaborates with faculty, researchers, staff, and students to develop and execute experimental research, design and implement specialized engineering systems and laboratory technologies, and provide technical leadership throughout the research lifecycle. The engineer will manage shared laboratory facilities, research infrastructure, equipment, and safety programs while supporting sponsored research, instructional activities, and initiatives that advance the teaching, research, and service mission. The primary duty will be the successful implementation of multidisciplinary, externally-funded research within the Aramco High Bay Structural Testing Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility that provides world-class capabilities for testing a wide range of structures—including civil infrastructure, buildings, and aerospace components—at scales ranging from benchtop models to full-size systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Experience with general structural engineering and mechanical testing
Experience with MTS servohydraulic test systems
Fixture design
CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor)
Drawing standards
Steel design and weld detailing
Component sizing
Working design knowledge of fabrication methods and processes
Basic application of commercial finite element modeling to estimate structural performance
Exposure to, and knowledge of, sensors (displacement, force, and strain)
Exposure to, and knowledge of, data acquisition systems (Dewesoft and National Instruments)
Ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to work with constituents diverse in both background and experience
Ability to prioritize and self-direct a variable workload

Responsibilities

Independently design, develop, integrate, and implement research activities by applying advanced engineering principles to the conceptual design, fabrication, installation, and operation of research hardware, structural testing, additive manufacturing technologies, mechanical and electrical components, and software tools in support of engineering research projects.
Manage laboratory operations by overseeing facility utilization, laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, safety and hazard assessments, and compliance with applicable laboratory policies and procedures to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient research environment.
Develop and maintain the laboratory operations budget and execute facilities utilization billing based on the updated utilization rate.
Coordinate research scheduling and collaborate with principal investigators, project leadership, researchers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to plan, organize, and execute successful research projects while ensuring efficient resource utilization, project quality, and timely completion.
Develop and execute engineering test plans, procedures, and validation activities; analyze and document results; troubleshoot system performance; and recommend design improvements or corrective actions based on technical findings.
Develop, modify, and utilize specialized engineering tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, modeling software, instrumentation, automation, additive manufacturing technologies, and software applications to support the design, analysis, testing, and evaluation of engineering research practices.
Provide external research support by collaborating with internal and external research partners, evaluating technical needs, recommending engineering solutions, and supporting the successful execution of sponsored research activities.
Provide technical leadership by mentoring engineering support staff and less experienced graduate students, reviewing technical work for quality and accuracy, preparing technical documentation and reports, and maintaining expertise in emerging engineering methods, technologies, standards, and best practices.