Mechanical Research and Development Engineer Job State College Pennsylvania USA,Engineering

Position specifics

We are searching for a high motivated Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join our Advanced Design & Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will involve designing, analyzing, and testing structures and systems, including multi-material assemblies, including fiber-reinforced polymer composite structures and other advanced materials.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website .psu.edu.

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.

You will

Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior, component interactions, and overall design performance
Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using mechanical CAD software
Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models
Flexibly to adapt across a variety of technical tasks, including CAD modeling, scripting in MATLAB/Python, analytical modeling, and supporting experimental testing
Collaborate closely with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in modeling, design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering practices
Support system and subsystem integration efforts by analyzing interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and contributing to the development of fully integrated system architectures
Perform detailed finite element analysis of multi-material systems as part of broader design and integration activities, supporting structural evaluation, system modelling, and engineering decision-making

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

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:

Finite element analysis (FEA) modelling and structural analysis of multi-material systems
CAD software, such as Solid Works, Creo, or NX
Programming skills (MATLAB/Python)
Ability to quickly adapt to diverse engineering tasks and changing project priorities
Demonstrated collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Abaqus or similar advanced FEA software
Past success with multi-material assemblies and integrated system architectures
Mechanical testing methods and laboratory experiments
Modelling, subsystem integration, or interface analysis

Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site location is Warminster, PA

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

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.

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…