POSITION SPECIFICSWe are searching for a motivated Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join our Polymer Composite Manufacturing (PCM) team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You will support various research activities throughout the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division, including manufacturing, characterization, or design and analysis of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, elastomers, ceramic matrix composites, and/or multi-material structures.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will: - Support the development of advanced composite and multi-material structures for defense applications
- Perform and/or support daily aspects of fabrication, characterization, material processing, and testing
- Prepare test plans, procedures, bills of materials, technical reports, presentations, and other forms of formal documentation
- Report progress to principal investigators and other engineering personnel
- Collaborate with fellow engineers and support staff to plan, design, fabricate, and assemble new parts and equipment
- Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment
Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions may include:- May present technical information to sponsors and other project stakeholders
- Contribute to whitepapers, project plans, proposals, meetings, and other business development efforts
- Effective management of tasks/projects and leadership of associated teams
- Mentor junior employees, interns, or graduate students
Required skills/knowledge areas include:- Knowledge of common fibers, resins, adhesives, and other constituent materials
- Proficiency with modeling approaches for composites such as solid mechanics, micromechanics, laminate plate theory, and finite elements methods
- Composite processing, fabrication, and test methods
- Excel, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent
- Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
Preferred skills and experience areas include:
- Fabrication and/or repair of fiber-reinforced composite materials
- Technical documentation and presentation
- Process development and experimental design
- Structural analysis using Abaqus CAE or equivalent FE methods
- 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
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $164,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
