Research and Development Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineer Position at Penn State's Applied Research LaboratoryWe are searching for a motivated and inquisitive Mechanical Engineer to join our Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Lifecycle Engineering specializes in developing tangible solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in a shipyard/depot level environment. The mission of the Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division is to provide full spectrum support for the research, evaluation, development, rapid prototyping, manufacturing, fielding, and testing of complex systems which support the warfighter and our nation's defense. We support the mission of SERP by executing the research, design and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You Will:Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other sponsors and national security missionsInvestigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutionsPlan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performanceDesign, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission-critical technologies within assigned technical disciplinesApply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration managementDevelop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvementsSupport development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsorsPrepare technical reports, engineering analyses, research publications, white papers, proposals, briefings, and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods, technical findings, and program statusPresent technical information and research results to sponsors, program managers, technical review boards, and other internal and external stakeholdersCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, software developers, technicians, and external research partners to accomplish program objectivesEnsure engineering activities comply with applicable sponsor requirements, engineering standards, quality requirements, cybersecurity policies, export control regulations, information assurance requirements, and laboratory security proceduresSupport research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished dataAdditional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:Manage technical tasks and engineering projects of varying size and complexity, including responsibility for technical performance, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and risk managementParticipate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementationIdentify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectivenessInitiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planningMentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and studentsMaintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research communityRequired skills/experience areas include:Past success designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems in the field, including upgrading legacy hardware to modern standardsWillingness to learn new tools and technologiesSuccess in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective and where problems are not initially definedExperience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culturesPreferred skills/experience areas include:Professional Engineering licenseSolidworks, Siemens NX, AutoCAD, ArduinoFamiliarity with integrating various analog and digital sensing technologiesPrevious Navy, IC, and other federal government customer exposureLeading multi-disciplinary research engineersCurrent 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 requiredYour working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications: NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications: NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications: NoneARL'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 website at & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.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.EEO IS THE LAWPenn 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 .