Materials Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, IL

2d•$92,100 - $174,708•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer. This department focuses on developing and evaluating advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. The role will involve supporting experimental research, engineering analysis, prototype development, materials testing, and the transition of new technologies into practical applications. The successful candidate will apply engineering principles and scientific methods to address materials and manufacturing challenges for U.S. military and other government customers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

Engineering principles and scientific methods applicable to materials, manufacturing, mechanical systems, chemistry, or physics.
Experimental work, engineering analysis, materials processing, manufacturing, or testing gained through coursework, internships, research, military service, employment, or independent projects.
Demonstrated ability to define a technical problem, evaluate information, and formulate a logical approach to solving it.
Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret technical data.
Past success providing technical ideas in written form for clear comprehension.
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding.
Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
Laboratory safety practices, including personal protective equipment, chemical handling, compressed gases, and waste disposal.
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Intermediate Professional)
No prior relevant work experience required (if filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Professional)
Must be a U.S. citizen.

Nice To Haves

Materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering, welding engineering, manufacturing engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline.
Coatings, surface engineering, heat treatment, additive manufacturing, machining, welding, or materials processing.
Mechanical, corrosion, adhesion, wear, thermal, or environmental testing.
Optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD, profilometry, or other materials-characterization methods.
Experimental design, statistical analysis, computer-aided design, data-acquisition systems, or engineering analysis software.
Preparation of technical reports, presentations, research summaries, or test plans.
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

Conduct collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities under the guidance of experienced technical staff.
Investigate and evaluate materials, coatings, manufacturing processes, and component performance.
Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data-collection methods, and performance metrics.
Design or support the design of prototypes, test fixtures, experimental systems, and process equipment.
Conduct mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing.
Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods.
Analyze experimental data to identify trends, technical issues, and opportunities for improvement.
Apply engineering principles and scientific methods to recommend changes to materials, processes, equipment, or test methods.
Operate and support materials-processing, coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, and testing equipment.
Support additive manufacturing, machining, welding, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities.
Troubleshoot experimental equipment and help resolve process or instrumentation problems.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, test plans, and other project documentation.
Collaborate with engineers, scientists, faculty, technical staff, government customers, and industry partners.
Support prototype demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing activities, and technology-transition efforts.
Maintain technical knowledge through literature reviews, professional development, and awareness of emerging materials and manufacturing technologies.
Support development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsors.
Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, research publications, white papers, proposals, briefings, and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods, technical findings, and program status.
Present technical information and research results to sponsors, program managers, technical review boards, and other internal and external stakeholders.
Manage technical tasks and engineering projects of varying size and complexity, including responsibility for technical performance, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and risk management.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, software developers, technicians, and external research partners to accomplish program objectives.