Research and Development Test Engineer

POSITION SPECIFICS

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 Science 2+ 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

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

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

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas.

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.