Mechanical Engineer

Penn State University • University Park, IL

18h • Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for talented and motivated Mechanical Engineers to join the High Performance Materials and Processing Department (HPMP) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking individuals with knowledge across a range of competencies including Design and Analysis, Model and Simulation, Process Development and Optimization, and Characterization and Testing. The successful candidates will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites. ARL-Penn State has a decades long reputation of excellence and demonstrated history of developing systems and technologies currently used by the US Navy and industry. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Use accepted methods and techniques to assist with the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems Contribute data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals; may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group Present research, designs, and findings internally to engineers and scientists as well as externally to sponsors and research partners Participate in field tests and exercises as required Aid in the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced material systems across ceramics, metals, and ceramic/metal matrix composites; work spans design and analysis, process development and optimization, and characterization and testing, with opportunities to contribute from concept through prototype and validation Additional responsibilities for higher level position include: Investigate and evaluate applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles in the development and improvement of engineering systems Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations Co-author papers, presentations, and reports

Requirements

• Ability to assist in the overall design process including conception, analysis, building, and testing of mechanical systems
• Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team environment
• Have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Prior work in hypersonics, aerospace, and propulsion technologies
• Ceramic and metallurgical engineering for high temperature environments
• Defense manufacturing technology development
• Prototyping, hardware manufacturing, and rapid design iteration
• NX and Solidworks
• Abaqus, COMSOL, Ansys, and Matlab
• Mechanical/Electrical design and troubleshooting
• Past success presenting work to sponsors and technical audiences
• Materials characterization using techniques including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical profilometry
• Working knowledge of vacuum system pumps, controls, electrical requirements, design, and integration of components
• Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace engineering, Process Engineering, and Material Science Engineering

Responsibilities

• Use accepted methods and techniques to assist with the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
• Contribute data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations
• Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals; may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group
• Present research, designs, and findings internally to engineers and scientists as well as externally to sponsors and research partners
• Participate in field tests and exercises as required
• Aid in the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced material systems across ceramics, metals, and ceramic/metal matrix composites; work spans design and analysis, process development and optimization, and characterization and testing, with opportunities to contribute from concept through prototype and validation
• Investigate and evaluate applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles in the development and improvement of engineering systems
• Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations
• Co-author papers, presentations, and reports

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the 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