Mechanical Research and Development Engineer
About The Position
We are searching for Mechanical Engineers to join our Deployables and Undersea Connectivity (DUC) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The mission of the DUC Department is to develop and mature technical methods and devices to connect platforms in the undersea domain, as well as, bridge to above the sea-air boundary, support tethered and untethered communication techniques between stationary or moving undersea platforms, and employ these capabilities to solve the most challenging undersea communications problems. Primary tasking will be to design, analyze, build, and test mechanical components and systems for undersea applications. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
Requirements
- Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T ANSI Y14.5)
- Abaqus or similar advanced FEA software
- Past success with multi‑material assemblies and integrated system architectures
- 3D CAD design and engineering drawing development (Siemens NX preferred)
- Design of machined components and subsystems
- Read and interpret mechanical drawings
- Completing free-body diagrams; using hand calculations to calculate forces and resultant stresses on structures
- Developing test plans and procedures and strong written communication skills
Nice To Haves
- Support field testing of vehicles and test platforms which could include travel to support test events.
- Knowledge of structural or thermal finite element analysis
- Packaging of electromechanical assemblies
- Ability to learn and work across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, logistics) in a small team environment of engineers, technicians, and US military personnel
- Attention to detail.
- 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
- Analyze requirements, identify problems, and develop innovative solutions
- Design structures, mechanisms, actuation systems, and bearing systems
- Work with drafting to create and approve drawings
- Develop assembly and test procedures
- Work with technicians to perform assembly and testing of systems and subsystems
- Support on-site field testing
- Meet with sponsors, faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints
- Communicate with Principal Investigators (PI’s) and project managers to provide progress reports
- Facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project
- Develop and build mechanical testing methods and laboratory experiments
- Mentor less experience staff
- Design and perform modeling, subsystem integration, or interface analysis
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
