Mechanical Engineer

Application Instructions: Current Penn State employees (faculty, staff, technical service, or student) must log in to Workday to complete the internal application. Current Penn State students not previously employed at the university should use Workday for the student application. Non‑employees must click “Apply” and complete the external application process.

We are searching for a motivated Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join our Polymer Composite Manufacturing (PCM) team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University.

• Support the development of advanced composite and multi‑material structures for defense applications
• Perform and/or support daily aspects of fabrication, characterization, material processing, and testing
• Prepare test plans, procedures, bills of materials, technical reports, presentations, and other formal documentation
• Report progress to principal investigators and other engineering personnel
• Collaborate with fellow engineers and support staff to plan, design, fabricate, and assemble new parts and equipment
• Help maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory environment

• Present technical information to sponsors and other project stakeholders
• Contribute to white papers, project plans, proposals, meetings, and other business development efforts
• Effectively manage tasks/projects and lead associated teams
• Mentor junior employees, interns, or graduate students

• Knowledge of common fibers, resins, adhesives, and other constituent materials
• Proficiency with modeling approaches for composites such as solid mechanics, micromechanics, laminate plate theory, and finite element methods
• Experience with composite processing, fabrication, and test methods
• Experience with Excel, MATLAB, Python, or equivalent
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi‑disciplinary, team‑oriented culture

• Fabrication and/or repair of fiber‑reinforced composite materials
• Technical documentation and presentation skills
• Process development and experimental design experience
• Structural analysis using Abaqus CAE or equivalent finite element methods
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; may be subject to a government background investigation

Your working location will be fully on‑site in State College, PA. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.

• For Advanced Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science and 5+ years of relevant experience
• For Intermediate Professional:
  Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience

Salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00–$. Salary may be impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, vacation, sick time, and a 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children.

The role requires successful completion of a background check in accordance with University policies. All ARL positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; candidates may be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. A U.S. citizen is required. Employment will also require a pre‑employment drug screen.

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.