Research and Development Mechanical Engineer

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants. 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. POSITION SPECIFICS Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

We are searching for motivated Research and Development Mechanical Engineers 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 focus on the design, fabrication and testing of various mechanical components for undersea power systems. ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will:
Develop, validate, and improve complex mechanical designs from concept through production Collaborate with research and development, additive manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve design challenges Support design reviews, prototype builds, and testing activities Identify opportunities for performance improvement, cost reduction, and design for manufacturability (DFM) Perform structural and thermal-fluid analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems Required Skills/Experience areas include:
Strong foundation in mechanical design and analysis principles CAD software (Siemens NX, Solid Works, Creo, or similar) Strong verbal and written communication skills Excellent problem solving skills

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline Structural, thermal, and fluid flow FEA of complex engineering systems (ANSYS preferred) Material selection, manufacturing processes, and GD&T Past success testing and validation methods for structural and thermal-fluid systems Additive manufacturing (LPBF) and DfAM Experimental testing and analysis for full design-build-test cycles 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 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 If filled as R&D Engineer
- Mechanical (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…