Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role supports a wide range of tasking for applied research, development, prototyping, integration, fabrication, and testing activities in support of the military. The mission of the Engineering Systems Research and Development (ESRD) Division within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is to develop and maintain expertise in the research, development, assembly, integration, and delivery of specialty electro-mechanical systems for undersea applications. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

Proficient in the use of mechanical tools
Very high attention to detail
Work with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments
Understand engineering drawings and identify parts for those drawings
Understand mechanical, electrical and electronic components
Clearly communicate with engineers, technicians and suppliers
Proficient writing skills to document work processes
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, with the ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks and learn computer programs
Must be a U.S. citizen
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.

Nice To Haves

Advanced proficiency in electro-mechanical hand tools
Advanced expertise in electro-mechanical techniques
Familiarity with non-CNC machine shop equipment
Proficiency with CAD programs
An associate's degree in an electro-mechanical or mechanical field of study
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

Apply mechanical engineering principles and technical practices to support research and development activities, including design support, layout, fabrication, machining coordination, assembly, integration, and testing of experimental hardware, prototype systems, and facility-based research equipment
Assist in the development, modification, and refinement of experimental setups, mechanical subsystems, test fixtures, tooling, and prototype assemblies to meet project and sponsor objectives
Perform inspection, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and subsystems, including structural assemblies, fluid systems, rotating equipment, and integrated electromechanical test setups
Ensure safe and reliable operation of laboratory and field test equipment by following established safety protocols, engineering standards, and operational procedures
Support field test environments, including instrumentation integration and post-test system recovery
Maintain accurate and controlled documentation of mechanical designs, equipment configurations, fabrication records, maintenance logs, calibration data, and test results in accordance with laboratory, sponsor, and regulatory requirements
Identify mechanical system failures and performance issues; conduct root-cause analysis; document findings; implement corrective actions in coordination with engineering staff
Communicate project status, technical findings, resource needs, and operational challenges to engineering and project leadership
Participate in multidisciplinary teams supporting experimental planning, system integration, test execution, data collection, and analysis in both laboratory and field environments
Support fabrication and machine shop coordination, ensuring accurate translation of engineering drawings into physical components and assemblies
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability
Assist in compiling, organizing, and archiving experimental data, technical records, and test documentation in support of sponsor reporting, research publications, and program deliverables
May provide limited task leadership for defined mechanical build, fabrication, or field test activities under engineering direction