Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

Penn State University • University Park, IL

1d • $46,800 - $102,900 • Onsite

About The Position

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for a Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) to join the Manufacturing, Fabrication and Assembly (MF&A) Department of the Engineering Systems Research and Development (ESRD) Division within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The mission of ESRD is to develop and maintain expertise in the research, development, assembly, integration, and delivery of specialty electro-mechanical systems for undersea applications. This role will support a wide range of tasking to support applied research, development, prototyping, integration, fabrication, and testing activities in support of the military. 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

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Dental coverage
• 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: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree