Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join their Fluids Machinery Department. This department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, known for its innovative solutions for U.S. Government and Industry sponsors. In this role, you will be involved in the design and analysis of marine vehicle hydrodynamics, control effector design, flight controls and maneuvering, and supporting experimental fluids testing in laboratory or field settings. Marine vehicle hydrodynamics involves understanding fluid forces on vehicles and their interactions. Flight controls and maneuvering focus on how these forces are used to control vehicle motion. Experimental fluids testing includes observing and measuring forces, moments, and flow interacting with test articles in environments like wind or water tunnels, or with prototypes in the field. Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include leading complex experiments, managing projects, developing proposals, authoring technical documents, and cultivating external research relationships.

Requirements

• A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
• Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework (to include relevant work experience)
• Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Effective at presenting in front of professionals, conveying information to drive to action or decision
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
• 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.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D.
• Design and execution of experiments using wind or water tunnels
• Demonstrated expertise with vehicle flight dynamics and controls involving design, analysis, or testing
• Familiarity with solid modeling/CAD systems, MATLAB, or Simulink
• Active government security clearance

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the component, subsystem and/or full vehicle system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well-defined questions and problems
• Perform hands-on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments
• Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results
• Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty
• Lead the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the subsystem or system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on ill-defined questions and problems
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives
• Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research
• Author/co-author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees
• Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 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

What This Job Offers

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