Research and Development Mechanical Engineer The Pennsylvania State University paid time off, sick time, remote work United States, Pennsylvania, University Park 201 Old Main (Show on map) Oct 14, 2026

APPLICATION

INSTRUCTIONS

CURRENT

PENN STATE EMPLOYEE

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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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for talented and motivated Mechanical Engineers to join the Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department (SHARP) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking an individual with knowledge across a range of competencies including developing tangible solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in a shipyard/depot level environment. ARL has a decades long reputation of excellence and demonstrated history of developing systems and technologies currently used by the US Navy and Industry. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

Assist or manage concept development and participate in the design analyses of engineering systems independently evaluating, selecting, and applying scientific or engineering procedures and techniques

Recognize discrepancies/identify problems and related technical issues leading to long term, generic solutions; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer needs

Perform tasks of a moderate to larger scope and lead specific tasks within the project scope; assemble and collaborate with research team members to work on specific research areas

Initiate, contribute to, or author/co-author papers, technical proposals, presentations, and reports; present as necessary

Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions

Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions

Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: Collaborate with and provide technical leadership to other team members to accomplish organizational goals; provide innovative ideas to improve organizational efficiency at group and department levels

Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data

Participate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation

Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness

Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning

Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students

Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community Required skills/experience areas include: Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures

Candidates should be inquisitive, proactive, and interested in learning new tools, and technologies

Past success providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension

Past success working in an environment where problems are often not initially well-defined

Designing, installing, and debugging automation and control systems in the field, including upgrading legacy hardware to modern standards

Past success working both in an office and shop environment fabricating prototype equipment

Past success safely using large fabrication equipment including lathes, welders, mills, and soldering irons

Generating formal drawings and three-dimensional models Preferred skills/experience areas include: Professional Engineering license

Past success leading teams of engineers on various projects

Solidworks, Siemens, NX, AutoCAD, and Arduino

Integrating various analog and digital sensing technologies

Previous Military and classified work

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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R D Engineer

• Mechanical (ARL)
• Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree
• Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience

Required Certifications:

None 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 atwww.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

• $200,808.00. 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines Notify me of jobs like this

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