Mechanical Engineering Designer

Position Overview

We are searching for an experienced Mechanical Engineering Designer to join our Mechanical and Electrical Design Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This department collaborates with ARL Research Offices to provide high‑quality drafting and 3‑D modeling in support of ARL’s mission.

• Provide mechanical design support for research engineering programs, collaborating closely with R&D Engineers and Engineering Support teams.
• Create intermediate 3D solid models for fabricated parts, assemblies, and commercial off‑the‑shelf (COTS) parts following accepted standards, methods, and techniques.
• Create 2D detail drawings and schematic/bills of material (BOM) documents for intermediate fabrication of parts/assemblies using accepted standards, methods, and techniques.
• Resolve issues related to design, material, and components.
• Perform Service Center functions including documentation control, copying, archiving (.stp and .x_t), and database entry.
• Provide work status updates to senior staff and engineers; participate in meetings and design reviews.
• Utilize ARL’s Project Lifecycle Management (PLM) software (Teamcenter) to perform configuration management and archive all design documentation.
• Keep up to date on all required compliance training related to business systems, safety, and security.
• Build and strengthen knowledge of design software features, techniques, standards, and specifications (particularly ASME Y14.5).

• Mechanical systems and components.
• Layout and design process, using CAD software for component creation.
• Creation of 2D detail drawings for fabrication parts and assemblies.
• Creation of 3D parametric solid models which are fully constrained.

• Siemens NX CAD.
• Siemens Teamcenter PLM tool.
• Certified in or familiar with ASME Y14.5.
• Microsoft Office, including Adobe.
• 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.

Engineering Designer – Senior Professional requires an Associate Degree and 6+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). No required certifications.

Engineering Designer – Advanced Professional requires an Associate Degree and 4+ years of relevant experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). No required certifications.

All positions at ARL require candidates to obtain a government security clearance. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks, a U.S. citizenship requirement, and a pre‑employment drug screen.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 – $89,600.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick), and a generous 75% tuition discount for eligible employees, spouses, and children.

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.