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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 Mechanical Engineers to join the Mechanical Systems Design Department within the Engineering Systems Research and Development Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will design, analyze, build, and test hardware for undersea applications from concept to development and through transition using a board scope of Division technical expertise in core engineering disciplines. The worked performed in this position directly supports the development, fabrication, assembly, integration and testing of hardware and software systems in support of undersea applications supporting the United States Armed Forces and other government agencies.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
Analyze requirements, identify problems, and develop innovative solution concepts
Design structures, mechanisms, actuation systems, and bearing systems
Work with the design and drafting department to create and approve drawings
Develop assembly and test procedures
Work with technicians to perform assembly and testing of systems and subsystems
Support field testing
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
Plan and perform technical tasks of a larger scope and lead teams within the project scope
Manage projects of moderate size and scope; plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work
Mentor junior engineers in the development of technical and project skills
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
Design of complex machined components and subsystems
3D CAD design and engineering drawing development
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T ANSI Y14.5)
Proficiency in completing free body diagrams; using hand calculations to calculate forces and resultant stresses on structures
Packaging of complex electromechanical assemblies
Development of test plans and procedures
Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Siemens NX 3D modeling
Structural or thermal finite element analysis
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 fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (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 - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
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 $121,704.00 - $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 Engineering or Science
- Design of complex machined components and subsystems
- 3D CAD design and engineering drawing development
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings
- Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) ANSI Y14.5
- Proficiency with free body diagrams and hand calculations for forces and stresses
- Packaging of complex electromechanical assemblies
- Development of assembly, test plans, and procedures
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- U.S. citizenship (must be a U.S. citizen to apply)
- Eligible to obtain a government security clearance
- Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
- Siemens NX 3D modeling experience
- Structural or thermal finite element analysis experience
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
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.
