Mechanical Engineer

The Systems and Emerging Capabilities Division in the Undersea Systems Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a mechanical engineer to focus on designing, analyzing, building, and testing undersea electric propulsion systems for the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC).

This position encompasses all aspects of propulsion plant and support equipment design, including the development of fixtures and jigs for assembly, special tools and equipment, land-based testing apparatus, power transmission shafting, and other special tools and equipment required for testing and maintenance.

Responsibilities include:

• Design, fabricate, test, and deliver the mechanical components of an electric propulsion system, including hull sections, motor, motor controller, battery, and ancillary systems that meet program requirements.
• Design and fabricate assembly, maintenance, and support equipment.
• Collaborate with responsible engineers to package major subsystems, including the battery, motor, motor controller, bus bars, bus capacitance, battery management system, and related equipment.
• Interface with internal management, program sponsors, and other stakeholders to communicate progress and technical challenges associated with existing programs.
• Develop assembly, acceptance test, and refurbishment procedures for mechanical assemblies.
• Collaborate with drafting to create detailed drawings of individual parts and assemblies.
• Collaborate with engineering support technicians on the assembly and testing of mechanical components, subassemblies, and complete power plants.
• Lead mechanical system troubleshooting efforts.
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope, planning, scheduling, conducting, or coordinating detailed phases of the work.

For higher-level positions, additional responsibilities may include:

• Leading small, multi-disciplinary teams on new or improved-design tasking.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to reduce power plant signature.
• Evaluating designs using structural and thermal finite element analysis.
• Independently managing multiple and/or large mechanical systems projects.
• Mentoring less experienced staff in the development of technical and project skills.
• Developing proposals and plans for design enhancements or new program starts.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or Science discipline and 5+ years of related experience. A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is preferred. Required skills include demonstrated success in multi-disciplinary teams, excellent written and oral presentation skills, 3D CAD design, and proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

The working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA, with potential occasional hybrid on-site/work from home opportunities. This position may require occasional travel to off-site locations in support of testing.

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.