Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

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.

We are searching for a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions that can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role 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.

• 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

• Communicate project status, technical findings, resource needs, and operational challenges to engineering and project leadership
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams supporting experimental planning, system integration, test execution, data collection, and analysis in both laboratory and field environments
• Support fabrication and machine shop coordination, ensuring accurate translation of engineering drawings into physical components and assemblies
• Contribute to the management and accountability of laboratory equipment, tools, fixtures, and materials in support of configuration control and asset tracking requirements
• Develop, maintain, and improve technical procedures, fabrication instructions, assembly guides, test protocols, and safety documentation to support repeatable and reliable operations
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability

• CNC and Manual Machining
• Different types of materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
• Mechanical and electrical systems
• Past success within an industrial environment
• Welding and Sheet metal fabrication
• Electrical wiring (AC and DC)
• Laboratory testing, including test procedures and standards
• Interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• General equipment and routine preventative maintenance
• Machine shop and lab safety practices
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems methodically
• Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology Discipline
• Robotic systems and programming
• Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes as well as Navy material repair techniques including Cold Spray, welding, electroplating, etc.
• Mechanical design and drafting (CAD/CAM)
• Additive manufacturing…