Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

Job Overview

We are searching for a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join our Fluids Machinery Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This role supports design and analysis of marine vehicle hydrodynamics, flight controls, and experimental fluids testing in laboratory or field environments.

• Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites.
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the component, subsystem, and full vehicle system level.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise in fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well‑defined questions and problems.
• Perform hands‑on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments.
• Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results.
• Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty.

• Lead the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites.
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the subsystem or system level.
• Provide subject‑matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics on ill‑defined questions and problems.
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; contribute to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives.
• Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research.
• Author or co‑author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees.
• Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships.

• A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics.
• Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework.
• Success in an environment where communication and organizational skills were crucial to effectiveness.
• Effective at presenting to professionals and conveying information to drive decision‑making.
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multidisciplinary, team‑oriented culture.

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D.
• Design and execution of experiments using wind or water tunnels.
• Demonstrated expertise with vehicle flight dynamics and controls involving design, analysis, or testing.
• Familiarity with solid modeling/CAD systems, MATLAB, or Simulink.
• Active government security clearance.

• Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional:
Bachelor’s degree and 14+ years of relevant experience.

• Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional:
Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience.

• Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional:
Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience.

Project‑dependent; located in State College, PA. Hybrid availability subject to project needs. Some off‑site travel and extended off‑site work required.

Salary range: $86,300.00 – $, potentially impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and eligible children.

All positions require successful completion of a background check. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and may need to obtain a government security clearance. A pre‑employment drug screen is required.

To apply:

submit your application through Workday. Internal Penn State employees or students must complete the internal application. External applicants should click "Apply" and complete the application process.

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 .