Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

Position Specifications

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.

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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, with the 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…