Research and Development Engineer - Mechanical Engineer

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

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• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

We are searching for a Thermal Mechanical Engineer with experience in energetics to join the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ESPS is focused on developing novel energy sources and power producing systems mainly for underwater applications by maintaining core skills in the area of thermo-fluid systems, chemical reactions, high-speed machinery, structural analysis, and automation & controls. This role will include investigating, evaluating, and applying scientific theories and engineering principles, performing engineering product development, and conducting experiments and tests. This position will be filled at the Professional or Intermediate professional level depending on the applicant’s level and education and experience combined.

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

You will

• Assist in the design, execution, and evaluation of combustion system testing and mechanical system testing
• Assist in the design of test equipment
• Interface with Engineering Support Specialists and Engineering Technologists in the creation of test equipment
• Install and collect digital data through instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure transducers, strain gauges, accelerometers, etc
• Document and report test results to engineering peers
• Handle energetic and reactive materials in accordance with reasonable safe practice and established procedure
• Balance efforts across several simultaneous executing projects
• Utilize solid modeling software such as Siemens NX and SolidWorks

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Complete the tasks of the Professional level
• Purchase and reconcile the purchase of needed test equipment and consumables
• Write test plans to include safety requirements
• Direct day to day work of technicians
• Manage the time of Engineering Interns

Required Skills/Experience areas include

• Solid-modeling CAD software (Unigraphics/Siemens NX)
• Combustion experience (course work or hands on)
• Ability to work independently, completing tasks with little to no supervision after appropriate training
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a similar engineering discipline
• Past success working within a A&E in a professional setting
• ATF/DOT standard for storage and transportation of Hazard Class (HC) 1 items
• DOD Manual 4145.26 DOD Contractor’s Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives
• Defense Explosive Safety Regulation (DESR) 6055.09

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
2+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
No prior relevant work experience required
Required 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

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

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
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. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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