Research and Development Mechanical Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department (SHARP), is seeking talented and motivated Mechanical Engineers to develop practical solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in shipyard- and depot-level environments. ARL develops systems and technologies for the U.S. Navy, industry, the Intelligence Community, and other federal customers. The position supports Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions through independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation. The engineer assists with or manages concept development and engineering design analyses; identifies technical problems and develops durable solutions; performs tasks of moderate to larger scope; and collaborates with research teams. Work may include analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, prototype demonstrations, system integration, manufacturing support, and operational or customer evaluations. The role also contributes to technical papers, proposals, presentations, and reports. Higher-level responsibilities include technical leadership, mentoring, risk mitigation, business development, and technology transition. The position is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, and requires periodic travel to remote locations. Employees work in secure environments that may include Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and eligible to obtain a government security clearance. Employment also requires successful background checks, participation in ARL’s drug testing program, and compliance with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
Relevant experience depends on the position level: no prior relevant work experience for Professional; at least 2 years for Intermediate Professional; or at least 5 years for Advanced Professional.
Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented environments.
Inquisitiveness, initiative, and interest in learning new tools and technologies.
Ability to present ideas in writing clearly and comprehensibly.
Experience working in environments where problems are not initially well-defined.
Experience designing, installing, and debugging field automation and control systems, including upgrading legacy hardware to modern standards.
Experience working in both office and shop environments and fabricating prototype equipment.
Experience safely using large fabrication equipment, including lathes, welders, mills, and soldering irons.
Experience generating formal drawings and three-dimensional models.
U.S. citizenship.
Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance; applicants may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required.
Ability to complete required background checks, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineering license.
Experience leading teams of engineers on various projects.
Experience with SolidWorks, Siemens NX, AutoCAD, and Arduino.
Experience integrating analog and digital sensing technologies.
Previous military experience and experience working in classified environments.
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

Assist or manage concept development and participate in engineering system design analyses, independently evaluating, selecting, and applying scientific or engineering procedures and techniques.
Identify discrepancies, problems, and technical issues; determine technical approaches that address customer needs and produce long-term solutions.
Perform moderate- to large-scope tasks and lead specific tasks within project scopes; assemble and collaborate with research team members.
Initiate, contribute to, or author/co-author technical papers, proposals, presentations, and reports, and present as necessary.
Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation to address scientific and engineering challenges supporting defense sponsors and national security missions.
Apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop technical solutions.
Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experiments, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance.
For higher-level positions, collaborate with and provide technical leadership to team members and develop ideas to improve organizational efficiency.
Support research in Unclassified, CUI, and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data.
Participate in technology transition, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation.
Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness.
Contribute to business development through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, 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 professional development, technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community.