Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants . Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants . POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking highly motivated Mechanical Engineers with strong structural analysis expertise to join our Energy Science and Power Systems Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We support our national security and undersea warfare sponsors through the development and demonstration of science and technology with the expertise, tools, and processes to take concepts from the early developmental phase through transition to industry and the fleet. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Perform structural analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems Develop, validate, and improve mechanical designs from concept through production Collaborate with research and development, manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve structural or mechanical challenges Support prototype builds, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities Identify opportunities for performance improvement, weight reduction, cost reduction, and increased reliability Required Skills/Experience areas include: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline Have a solid understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) principles, and analytical tools used in structural analysis and effectively communicate theories and results to colleagues, management, and sponsors, in both written and presentation format Structural analysis and mechanical design principles Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, etc.) CAD software (Unigraphics, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar) Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding Past success in writing white papers or reports Excellent problem solving skills Preferred Skills/Experience areas include: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline Dynamic, thermal, or fatigue analysis of complex engineering systems Knowledge of material selection, manufacturing processes, and GD&T Familiarity with testing and validation methods for structural components 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 Your working location will be located fully on-site located in State College, PA MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience 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 at www.arl.psu.edu . BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES 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): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $173,844.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State s salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page . CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here . EEO IS THE LAW 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines

Requirements

Must-haves

If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
Perform structural analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems
Develop, validate, and improve mechanical designs from concept through production
Collaborate with research and development, manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve structural or mechanical challenges
Support prototype builds, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) activities
Identify opportunities for performance improvement, weight reduction, cost reduction, and increased reliability
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Structural analysis and mechanical design principles
Finite Element Analysis (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation, etc.)
CAD software (Unigraphics, Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Past success in writing white papers or reports
Excellent problem solving skills
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline
Dynamic, thermal, or fatigue analysis of complex engineering systems
Knowledge of material selection, manufacturing processes, and GD&T
Familiarity with testing and validation methods for structural components
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
Your working location will be located fully on-site located in State College, PA
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State s salary structure

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Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: workday
Effort: long

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Dental

Vision

Paid Time Off