Mechanical Research & Development Engineer

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a high motivated Mechanical Research and Development Engineer to join our Advanced Design & Analysis Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will involve designing, analyzing, and testing structures and systems, including multi-material assemblies, including fiber‑reinforced polymer composite structures and other advanced materials.

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

• Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior, component interactions, and overall design performance
• Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using mechanical CAD software
• Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models
• Flexibly to adapt across a variety of technical tasks, including CAD modeling, scripting in MATLAB/Python, analytical modeling, and supporting experimental testing
• Collaborate closely with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in modeling, design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering practices
• Support system and subsystem integration efforts by analyzing interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and contributing to the development of fully integrated system architectures
• Perform detailed finite element analysis of multi-material systems as part of broader design and integration activities, supporting structural evaluation, system modeling, and engineering decision‑making

• Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government‑furnished data
• Participate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
• Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development, customer engagement, proposal preparation, Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives, and strategic technology planning
• Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
• Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community

• Finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and structural analysis of multi-material systems
• CAD software, such as Solid Works, Creo, or NX
• Programming skills (MATLAB/Python)
• Ability to quickly adapt to diverse engineering tasks and changing project priorities
• Demonstrated collaboration within a multidisciplinary team

• Abaqus or similar advanced FEA software
• Past success with multi-material assemblies and integrated system architectures
• Mechanical testing methods and laboratory experiments
• Modeling, subsystem integration, or interface analysis

Your working location will be full on-site located in State College, PA.

If filled as R&D Engineer
- Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experience

Required

Certifications:

None If filled as R&D Engineer
- Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor’s Degree
- Engineering or Science2+ years…