Materials Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, IL

1d•$121,704 - $265,704•Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions than can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role will support various research activities throughout the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division including manufacturing, characterization, and design of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, elastomers, ceramic matrix composites, and/or multi-material structures. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

Polymer structure-property relationships and the ability to produce new thermoset materials with specific properties
Thermoset elastomer development
Process development of prototype structures
Past success utilizing a wide range of materials characterization techniques including mechanical property testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and chemical analysis
Understanding of relationships between composition, microstructure, processing, and material properties
Polymer processing and characterization methods
Testing and characterization methods for composite materials
Project engineering or management
Past success providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension
Successful collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
Must be a U.S. citizen
Eligible to obtain a government security clearance
Participate in the ARL drug testing program
Comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors

Nice To Haves

Coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced composites
Leading projects and working with customers/sponsors
Developing new proposals and projects
Past success working on defense projects
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

Support the research, design, development, and fabrication of advanced polymer and composite structures for defense and industrial applications
Perform and support fabrication, characterization, testing, and evaluation activities while ensuring technical quality and accuracy
Apply sound engineering judgment, critical thinking, and attention to detail to solve technical challenges and support project objectives
Contribute to white papers, technical proposals, project plans, customer meetings, and other business development initiatives
Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects while serving as a Task Lead or Principal Investigator, as appropriate
Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to sponsors, customers, and other stakeholders
Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, bills of materials, technical reports, presentations, and other formal project documentation
Execute assigned work in accordance with written and verbal instructions while proactively identifying and communicating technical issues and risks
Provide regular project status updates and technical progress reports to Principal Investigators, project leadership, and engineering staff
Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and technical milestones
Demonstrate initiative by seeking guidance, sharing knowledge, and engaging with supervisors and team members to ensure project success
Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment while adhering to established safety procedures and best practice
Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning
Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community