Design Engineer

We are searching for a multi‑disciplinary engineer to join the Transduction Device and Array Development Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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).

Utilizing a breadth of engineering skills, you will design, analyze, fabricate, and test underwater acoustic transduction systems. Your knowledge of mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and material science concepts will guide the development of innovative sonar transducer and array designs.

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

• Analyze, design, and test sonar transducers / arrays
• Design and analyze mechanical packaging concepts
• Analyze electrical circuits
• Design fabrication tooling and test beds
• Create and apply assembly procedures
• Provide oversight, technical leadership, and supervision of staff conducting transducer fabrication and testing
• Develop and present technical and project status reports
• Perform project management (schedule and budget development)
• Collaborate with team members; nurture and maintain relationships with customers and vendors

• Manage multiple or large projects
• Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals
• Create opportunities to expand transduction technology
• Nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors
• Identify grant/project follow‑on work and persuade customers/grantors to fund
• Initiate new project concepts and seek funding

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant engineering or science field
• Mechanical or electrical design experience
• Technical problem‑solving fundamentals
• Technical writing
• Data analysis
• Proficiency with MATLAB, Excel, PowerPoint, and CAD

• Finite element analysis
• Experimental test conduct
• Acoustics
• Dimensional tolerance stack‑up analysis
• Underwater acoustic transducer/array design and fabrication techniques
• Project management
• An active government security clearance

Fully on‑site, located in State College, PA.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen and background checks in accordance with University policies.

Salary range: $ – $.

Penn State is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.