Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

Penn State University•University Park, IL

1d•$68,604 - $113,100•Onsite

About The Position

The Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a hands-on Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical. This department focuses on developing and evaluating advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. The 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

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