Skip to main content
Tallo logoTallo logo
Apply for this opportunity

This job application is on an outside website. Be sure to review the job posting there to verify it's the same.

Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

Job

The Pennsylvania State University

Remote

$138,650 Salary, Full-Time

Posted 1 week ago (Updated 5 days ago) • Actively hiring

Expires 7/12/2026

Review key factors to help you decide if the role fits your goals.
Pay Growth
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Not enough info to score pay or growth
Job Security
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Calculating job security score...
Total Score
72
out of 100
Average of individual scores

Were these scores useful?

Skill Insights

Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.

Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
CURRENT
PENN STATE EMPLOYEE
(faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
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
We are searching for a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join our Fluids Machinery Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, which has a long, successful history of providing innovative solutions and technology for a range of U.S. Government and Industry sponsors. In this position, you will support the design and analysis of marine vehicle hydrodynamics, control effector design, flight controls and maneuvering, as well as supporting experimental fluids testing in a laboratory or field environment. Marine vehicle hydrodynamics focus on a detailed understanding of fluid generated forces (lift and drag) from various parts of a vehicle and how they interact. Flight controls and maneuvering focus on how pilots and autopilot algorithms use understanding of these fluid generated forces to control the kinematics (i.e. motion) of a vehicle in time and space. Experimental fluids testing involves observation and measurement of forces, moments, and flow interacting with a test article in a laboratory environment (wind tunnel or water tunnel) or with a prototype operating in the field.
You will:
Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the component, subsystem and/or full vehicle system level Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well-defined questions and problems Perform hands-on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty Additional responsibilities for a higher level position includes: Lead the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the subsystem or system level Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on ill-defined questions and problems Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research Author/co-author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships Required skills/experience areas include: A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework (to include relevant work experience) Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective Effective at presenting in front of professionals, conveying information to drive to action or decision Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture Preferred skills/experience areas include: A Master's degree or Ph.D. Design and execution of experiments using wind or water tunnels Demonstrated expertise with vehicle flight dynamics and controls involving design, analysis, or testing Familiarity with solid modeling/CAD systems, MATLAB, or Simulink Active government security clearance Your working location will be project-dependent ability for hybrid work, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process This position will require some off-site travel and extended off-site work.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer
  • Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree
  • Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None If filled as Research and Development Engineer
  • Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree
  • Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None If filled as Research and Development Engineer
  • Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree
  • Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience
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 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/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00
  • $191,000.00.
  • 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 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There's a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world's universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom
  • it's the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania's sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters
  • more than half a million strong
  • driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities.
At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.