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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
Your working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
We are searching for an Engineering Technologist to join our Electronic Fabrication and Test Systems (EF&TS) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The mission for the EFTS Department is to support and contribute to cutting edge technologies and test systems through all design phases to implementation. 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 SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Assist in the design and implementation of cutting edge electromechanical and software systems
Assist in developing, defining and deriving requirements to support the design of electromechanical products
Assist in developing electrical, mechanical, and software tools to support testing of complex electromechanical systems
Utilize computer aided design software to assist with the development of electrical, mechanical, and software systems
Collaborate with a project team and a broad range of interoffice organizations to meet project objectives
Conduct tests on electrical, mechanical, or software subsystems. Document results with conclusions and recommend design modifications.
Support and drive projects in the laboratory and the field
Propose or evaluate new engineering tools to aid in testing or development
Work with design & analysis tools, and test and measurement equipment
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position include:
Recommend modifications or design changes based on testing and analysis
Evaluate new engineering tools to aid in design and development
Use and grow subject matter expertise to quickly grow higher level responsibilities
Manage testing efforts in the lab and field
Required skills/experience areas include:
Electronics and/or electro-mechanics
Operating electronic test equipment, and the ability to assemble and test electronic circuitry
Effective communication skills for internal audiences
Past success in writing test plans and reports
Ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks or learn computer programs
Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
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
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Technologist, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree No prior relevant work experience required 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 $68,604.00 - $113,100.00.
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.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree for the Professional level
- Bachelor’s degree plus at least 1 year of relevant experience for the Intermediate Professional level
- Experience or knowledge in electronics and/or electromechanics
- Ability to operate electronic test equipment and assemble and test electronic circuitry
- Effective communication skills for internal audiences
- Successful experience writing test plans and reports
- Ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks or learn computer programs
- Ability to solve difficult problems using structured analysis and solution-development methods
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
- U.S. citizenship
- Successful completion of required background checks
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
