Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

1d • $68,604 - $113,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Materials for Extreme Environments Department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. This role will support laboratory research, materials processing, prototype fabrication, equipment operation, component testing, and the transition of new technologies into practical applications for the U.S. military, and other government customers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Past success utilizing laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, mechanical testing, equipment operation, or maintenance activities
• Safe use of laboratory equipment, hand tools, measuring instruments, and fabrication equipment
• Identify and troubleshoot practical technical problems
• Follow technical drawings, procedures, specifications, or test standards
• Maintain organized and detailed laboratory records
• Express technical information clearly to drive understanding
• Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures
• Laboratory and shop safety practices, including personal protective equipment, chemical handling, compressed gases, and waste disposal
• Associate Degree
• 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (for Senior Professional)
• Associate Degree
• 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (for Advanced Professional)
• 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.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Nice To Haves

• Materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, machining, welding, or additive manufacturing
• Mechanical, adhesion, wear, corrosion, hardness, roughness, thermal, or coating-thickness testing
• Optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD, profilometry, or other materials-characterization methods
• Furnaces, vacuum systems, compressed-gas systems, pumps, sensors, or data-acquisition equipment
• Computer-aided design and technical drawing software
• ASTM, military, or industry test standards
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, or modification of laboratory and manufacturing equipment
• 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

• Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, machining, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking
• Operate and support materials-processing, coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, and testing equipment
• Design, fabricate, assemble, and modify prototypes, experimental hardware, and test fixtures under the direction of engineering staff
• Conduct and document mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing
• Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods
• Configure and operate furnaces, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, sensors, pumps, and data-acquisition equipment
• Support machining, welding, additive manufacturing, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities
• Troubleshoot, maintain, and improve laboratory and manufacturing equipment
• Collect, organize, and summarize test data while maintaining accurate laboratory records
• Communicate equipment status, test results, and technical observations to engineers and project leadership
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, faculty, technologists, and technical staff
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized laboratory and work areas
• Independently plan and execute difficult or complex technical assignments
• Develop and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and equipment
• Coordinate laboratory activities and establish priorities within assigned technical areas
• Provide technical direction and guidance to less-experienced staff, students, and interns
• Lead defined technical tasks and communicate with project leadership, customers, vendors, and external partners
• Review completed work for technical accuracy, quality, and compliance with established requirements

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree