Research and Development Test Engineer

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.

Your working location can/will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

We are searching for a highly motivated Research & Development Test Engineer to join the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ESPS is focused on developing novel energy sources and power producing systems mainly for underwater applications by maintaining core skills in the area of thermo-fluid systems, chemical reactions, high-speed machinery, structural analysis, and automation & controls.

This role will plan, setup and execute experimental tests, analyze results, and update test objectives to obtain meaningful results.

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

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for multi-disciplinary hardware systems

• Perform test risk reduction activities and safety analyses with other engineers

• Conduct functional, environmental, and performance tests using laboratory instrumentation

• Set up, configure, and verify test benches, fixtures, sensors, data acquisition hardware, and other measurement equipment

• Collaborate with engineering support staff to fabricate test hardware, prototypes, and fixtures

• Collect, analyze, and document test data; identify anomalies; and support root cause investigation

• Contribute to the development and improvement of qualification processes and quality procedures for engineering support staff

• Laboratory instrumentation such as mass flow meters, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, data acquisition systems (e.g. NI hardware and software

• Strong problem-solving ability with willingness to work hands-on with hardware

• Clear and organized documentation skills

• CAD software (e.g. Siemens NX, Solid Works, Creo, or similar)

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline

• Past success working with and testing hazardous energetic materials, familiarity with the various safety measures and necessary documentation

• Verification and validation methods for thermal-fluid systems

• Structural, thermal, and fluid flow FEA of complex engineering systems (ANSYS preferred)

• Analytical chemistry instrumentation (e.g. mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph)

• Exposure to quality control standards, best practices for manufacturing, and qualification of engineering support staff

• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Test (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree
- Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experience

Required

Certifications:

None

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Test (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree
- Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required

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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University…