Engineering Technologist, Mechanical

Penn State University • University Park, IL

9d • $75,408 - $132,204 • Onsite

About The Position

The Materials for Extreme Environments Department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. This role will apply established engineering principles and practical technical knowledge to support materials processing, prototype development, experimental equipment, testing, and technology transition. The successful candidate will help translate engineering concepts into functional prototypes, test articles, experimental systems, and validated technical solutions for the U.S. military, and other government customers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Applying mechanical engineering or engineering technology principles to design, fabrication, testing, or manufacturing activities
• Connecting engineering concepts with hands-on implementation and practical problem-solving
• Developing or interpreting technical drawings, procedures, specifications, or equipment documentation
• Demonstrated ability to solve technical problems using organized and logical methods
• Collect, organize, and interpret technical data
• Express technical ideas successfully in verbal and written form
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Mechanical engineering technology, manufacturing engineering technology, electromechanical engineering technology, materials engineering technology, or a related discipline
• Materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, or welding
• Design and fabrication of mechanical fixtures, prototypes, or experimental equipment
• Computer-aided design, data-acquisition, engineering analysis, or instrumentation software
• Mechanical testing, materials characterization, or environmental testing
• Furnaces, vacuum systems, compressed-gas systems, pumps, sensors, controls, or laboratory instrumentation
• ASTM, military, or industry test standards
• 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

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineering staff to plan and execute materials-processing, prototyping, integration, and testing activities
• Develop, build, modify, and evaluate experimental equipment, test fixtures, prototypes, and process hardware
• Operate and support coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, manufacturing, and materials-testing equipment
• Develop and interpret engineering drawings, equipment layouts, test procedures, process documentation, and technical specifications
• Conduct and document mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing
• Configure sensors, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, pumps, controls, and data-acquisition equipment
• Support machining, welding, additive manufacturing, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities
• Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods
• Analyze test results and recommend practical improvements to equipment, processes, fixtures, and experimental methods
• Troubleshoot mechanical, process, instrumentation, and equipment-related problems
• Maintain proper documentation and traceability of engineering artifacts, test data, and technical deliverables
• Support prototype demonstrations, customer evaluations, and technology-transition activities
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, drawings, procedures, and other project documentation
• Maintain current knowledge of mechanical design methods, fabrication techniques, materials, test equipment, and emerging engineering technologies applicable to the discipline
• Ensure proper documentation, traceability, and configuration control of engineering artifacts, test data, and technical deliverables in accordance with organizational and sponsor requirements
• Support secure handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Export-Controlled Information, and other sensitive technical data throughout design, fabrication, and testing activities
• Contribute to continuous improvement of engineering processes, prototyping methods, and test capabilities in support of mission requirements
• May provide supervision or technical direction to lower-level engineering staff, including task assignment, mentoring, and performance input

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level