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- 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 searching for a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions than can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Provide input to and assist with sample production as well as Cold Spray process support equipment setup, design and assembly
Perform fabrication/machining/characterization/mechanical testing of materials in support of projects
Meet with faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints, communicate with engineers and project managers to provide progress reports, and facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project
Perform daily specimen and coupon fabrication operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment
Document process parameters and processes
Operate and maintain Cold Spray, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing, and Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition systems, which include both stationary and portable robotics
Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment as directed
Perform facility maintenance and repair of capital and test equipment in support of various projects
Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field
Develop documentation of task procedures and process evaluation
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
Communicate project status, technical findings, resource needs, and operational challenges to engineering and project leadership
Participate in multidisciplinary teams supporting experimental planning, system integration, test execution, data collection, and analysis in both laboratory and field environments
Support fabrication and machine shop coordination, ensuring accurate translation of engineering drawings into physical components and assemblies
Contribute to the management and accountability of laboratory equipment, tools, fixtures, and materials in support of configuration control and asset tracking requirements
Develop, maintain, and improve technical procedures, fabrication instructions, assembly guides, test protocols, and safety documentation to support repeatable and reliable operations
Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
CNC and Manual Machining
Different types of materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
Mechanical and electrical systems
Past success within an industrial environment
Welding and Sheet metal fabrication
Electrical wiring (AC and DC)
Laboratory testing, including test procedures and standards
Interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
General equipment and routine preventative maintenance
Machine shop and lab safety practices
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems methodically
Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology Discipline
Robotic systems and programming
Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes as well as Navy material repair techniques including Cold Spray, welding, electroplating, etc.
Mechanical design and drafting (CAD/CAM)
Additive manufacturing processes
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 Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted 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 $51,504.00 - $102,900.00.
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
- Associate degree and 2+ years of relevant experience for the Intermediate Professional level
- Associate degree and 4+ years of relevant experience for the Advanced Professional level
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted
- CNC and manual machining experience
- Experience with materials, manufacturing processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job planning
- Mechanical and electrical systems experience
- Industrial environment experience
- Welding and sheet metal fabrication experience
- AC and DC electrical wiring experience
- Laboratory testing, test procedures, and standards experience
- Ability to interpret and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
- General equipment operation and routine preventative maintenance experience
- Machine shop and laboratory safety knowledge
- Strong communication and ability to express ideas clearly
- Methodical complex problem-solving ability
- Microsoft Office proficiency, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or engineering technology
- Robotic systems and programming experience
- Knowledge of Navy materials, manufacturing processes, and material repair techniques
- Mechanical design and drafting experience using CAD/CAM
- Additive manufacturing experience
- Current eligibility for Secret-level or higher classified access
- U.S. citizenship
- Eligibility to obtain a government security clearance
- Successful completion of required background checks
- Participation in the ARL drug testing program and compliance with electronic and physical monitoring
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.
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