Mechanical R&D Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, IL

1d•$140,004 - $265,704•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a senior technical and operational leader for its Vehicle Investigation & Cybersecurity Department within the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division. The role supports research and development in next-generation sustainment technologies, readiness analytics, vehicle systems resilience, and cyber-secure maintenance capabilities. The successful candidate will bring operational expertise in military ground vehicle operations and sustainment engineering, along with experience developing and maintaining sponsor relationships in defense R&D. The position leads sponsor engagement and business development for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research portfolios, advises on military acquisition and requirements processes, and helps translate operational sustainment challenges into R&D objectives. It also supports research teams, staff mentoring, proposal development, program planning, and strategic road-mapping for the division. Work is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. ARL employees participate in its drug testing program and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements. Depending on the level at which the position is filled, the minimum qualification is a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science and either 14 or 19 years of relevant experience. The salary range across possible grades is $140,004–$265,704. Penn State offers medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Requirements

Senior NCO, Warrant Officer, or Commissioned Officer experience in U.S. military Engineer, Motor Transport, or Ordnance communities.
Previous service as a U.S. Marine Corps logistics officer or in a comparable operational logistics role.
Experience with military acquisition processes, including requirements development and sustainment integration.
Experience with ground vehicle operations, including vehicle systems and associated IT/logistics support systems.
Experience in automotive maintenance, sustainment engineering, or vehicle lifecycle management.
Track record of developing and maintaining sponsor relationships in defense R&D environments.
Ability to communicate complex sustainment challenges and technical concepts clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
For the Senior Professional level: bachelor’s degree in engineering or science and at least 14 years of relevant experience.
For the Principal Professional level: bachelor’s degree in engineering or science and at least 19 years of relevant experience.
Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain a government security clearance; successful completion of required background checks is required.
Must participate in the ARL drug testing program and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting or advising R&D organizations on vehicle sustainment technologies.
Knowledge of cybersecurity considerations for vehicle systems, maintenance processes, or diagnostic tools.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and guiding research portfolios.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, logistics, or a related field; military equivalent experience is also considered.
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required.

Responsibilities

Lead business development and sponsor engagement for vehicle sustainment and cybersecurity research portfolios.
Maintain and expand strategic relationships with military stakeholders, particularly in the USMC, Army, and joint logistics communities.
Provide subject-matter expertise on military ground vehicle operations, sustainment processes, and enabling IT systems.
Translate operational sustainment challenges into actionable R&D objectives and shape research directions.
Support and guide project teams working on vehicle investigation, readiness analytics, cyber-secure maintenance operations, and related technologies.
Mentor staff in sponsor engagement, program execution, and operational sustainment concepts.
Advise on military acquisition pathways and requirements processes relevant to sustainment technologies.
Contribute to proposal development, program planning, and strategic road-mapping for the Applied Sustainment Technologies Division.