Mechanical Research and Development Engineer

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We are searching for a Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking individuals with knowledge across a range of competencies including Design and Analysis, Model and Simulation, Process Development and Optimization, and Characterization and Testing. The successful candidate will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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.

• Provide input to and assist with sample production as well as Cold Spray process support equipment setup, design and assembly
• Perform fabrication/machining/characterization/mechanical testing of materials in support of projects
• Meet with faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints, communicate with engineers and project managers to provide progress reports and facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project
• Perform daily specimen and coupon fabrication operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment
• Document process parameters and processes
• Operate and maintain Cold Spray, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing and Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition systems which include both stationary and portable robotics
• Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment as directed
• Perform facility maintenance and repair of capital and test equipment in support of various projects
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field
• Develop documentation of task procedures and process evaluation

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology Discipline and 4+ years related experience
• Strong foundation in machining including CNC and Manual Machining
• Past success using different types of materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems
• Understanding of how to work in an industrial environment
• Laboratory testing and ability to follow test procedures and standards
• Welding
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Electrical wiring (AC and DC)
• Past success interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• General equipment maintenance and routine preventative maintenance
• Machine shop setting/ lab safety practices
• Success in a technical environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated ability to work through problems, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
• Microsoft Office

• Additive manufacturing and/or Cold Spray
• Robotic systems and programming
• Working understanding of Navy Shipyard operations
• Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes as well as Navy material repair techniques including Cold Spray, welding, electroplating, etc.
• Knowledge of CAD/CAM
• Mechanical design and drafting
• Additive manufacturing
• Current eligibility for…