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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
We are searching for a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join our Fluids Machinery Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, which has a long, successful history of providing innovative solutions and technology for a range of U.S. Government and Industry sponsors.
In this position, you will support the design and analysis of marine vehicle hydrodynamics, control effector design, flight controls and maneuvering, as well as supporting experimental fluids testing in a laboratory or field environment. Marine vehicle hydrodynamics focus on a detailed understanding of fluid generated forces (lift and drag) from various parts of a vehicle and how they interact. Flight controls and maneuvering focus on how pilots and autopilot algorithms use understanding of these fluid generated forces to control the kinematics (i.e. motion) of a vehicle in time and space. Experimental fluids testing involves observation and measurement of forces, moments, and flow interacting with a test article in a laboratory environment (wind tunnel or water tunnel) or with a prototype operating in the field.
You will:
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/or full vehicle system level
Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of 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
Additional responsibilities for a higher level position includes:
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 as part of multidisciplinary teams on ill-defined questions and problems
Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives
Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research
Author/co-author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees
Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships
Required skills/experience areas include:
A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework (to include relevant work experience)
Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Effective at presenting in front of professionals, conveying information to drive to action or decision
Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
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
Your working location will be project-dependent ability for hybrid work, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process This position will require some off-site travel and extended off-site work.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (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 web site 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 - $231,000.00.
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 in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering, Science, or a related field
- At least 2 years of relevant experience for the Intermediate Professional level
- Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
- Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework, including relevant work experience
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to present information effectively to professionals and drive action or decisions
- Successful collaboration in a diverse, multidisciplinary, team-oriented environment
- U.S. citizenship
- Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance
- Master's degree or Ph.D.
- Experience designing and executing wind or water tunnel experiments
- Expertise with vehicle flight dynamics and controls involving design, analysis, or testing
- Familiarity with solid modeling or CAD systems, MATLAB, or Simulink
- Active government security clearance
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.
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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.
