Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical

POSITION SPECIFICS

Your working location will be located full on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

We are searching for a highly motivated Technical Engineering Specialist to join our The Electronic Fabrication and Test Systems Department (ESRD), part of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The ESRD department drives the development of innovative technical solutions, working closely with engineering and program teams to create mission‑focused systems that meet operational needs.

Our work ensures that emerging concepts become practical, effective capabilities for ARL and its customers. In this role, you’ll work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to deliver innovative, reliable solutions that support ARL’s mission and strengthen the systems our customers depend on.

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

You Will:

• Assist, perform, or provide input to the layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of standard and non-standard electronic equipment
• Assist or evaluate the selection and purchase of materials and components and interact with vendors
• Assist with or install, calibrate, operate and/or maintain standard and non-standard equipment, experimental hardware, and/or computer systems in the Laboratory or in the field, assist with or assess and identifying system faults, repair/adjust standard and non-standard equipment
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the Laboratory or off‑site
• Work as part of a test project support team in the Laboratory or off‑site

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include:

• Perform more complex electrical assembly, integration, and troubleshooting tasks with increased independence.
• Lead portions of prototype development, adapting procedures and resolving non‑routine technical issues.
• Provide guidance and occasional oversight to junior staff.
• Communicate with external collaborators or vendors to support project execution and accurate documentation.

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Electronics and/or electro‑mechanics
• Operating electronic test equipment, and the ability to assemble and test electronic circuitry
• Microsoft Office, with the ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks or learn computer programs

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• 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

If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted

Required

Certifications:

None If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:

Associate Degree No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.

Required

Certifications:

None

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).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website .psu.edu .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):

Em…