Penn State University

Mechanical Engineer

Penn State University$92K — $174K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science required; no prior experience needed for Professional level, 2+ years for Intermediate level.
  • Familiarity with design processes including mechanical system conception, analysis, and testing.
  • Proficiency in aerodynamic and mechanical analysis.
  • Experience with CAD tools and digital engineering principles.
  • Strong verbal communication skills to convey technical ideas effectively.
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

  • Assist with the design, development, implementation, and analysis of electromechanical systems and vehicles.
  • Investigate scientific theories and engineering principles for system improvement.
  • Contribute findings for technical reports, documentation, and presentations.
  • Collaborate with team members to achieve organizational goals and improve processes.
  • Present research and designs to both internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Participate in field tests and exercises as required.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Robust retirement plans.
  • Generous paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
  • 75% tuition discount available for employees, spouses, and children.
Full Job Description
POSITION SPECIFICS

The Uncrewed Systems Department within the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (M2SO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is searching for a Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to assist program development for special projects. We are seeking individuals with knowledge across a range of competencies including Design and Analysis, Modeling and Simulation, Process Development and Optimization, and Advanced Manufacturing to execute on the mechanical design of various large-scale systems and aerospace vehicle platforms.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:
  • Use accepted methods and techniques to assist with the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems, with a focus on electromechanical systems and vehicles
  • Investigate and evaluate applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles in the development and improvement of engineering systems
  • Contribute data/findings for use in technical reports, documentation, or oral/written presentations
  • Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals; may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group
  • Present research, designs, and findings internally to engineers and scientists as well as externally to sponsors and research partners
  • Participate in field tests and exercises as required


Required skills/experience areas include:
  • Familiarity with the overall design process including conception, analysis, building, and testing of mechanical systems
  • Aerodynamic and mechanical analysis
  • CAD tools
  • Familiarity with digital engineering principles
  • Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others to provide understanding
  • 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


Preferred skills/experience areas include:
  • Prior work in design and simulation tools and processes
  • Prototyping, hardware manufacturing, and rapid design iteration
  • Solidworks and NX
  • Abaqus, Matlab, python
  • Prototyping, hardware manufacturing, and rapid design iteration
  • Mechanical/Electrical design and troubleshooting
  • Past success presenting work to sponsors and technical audiences
  • Preferred degrees could include Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering


Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired Certifications:None

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu

SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $174,708.00.

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 STATISTICS

Pursuant 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.

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