Mechanical Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jul 25, 2025
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS Mechanical Engineer - to post as Advanced and Senior Levels We are searching for an experienced, self-starting Mechanical Engineer to join our Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping (SHARP) Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. SHARP specializes in developing tangible solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in a shipyard/depot level environment. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Assist or manage concept development and participate in the design analyses of engineering systems independently evaluating, selecting, and applying scientific or engineering procedures and techniques Recognize discrepancies/identify problems and related technical issues leading to long term, generic solutions; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer needs Lead projects of a moderate scope. Assemble and collaborate with research team membersto work on specific research areas Initiate, contribute to, or author/co-author papers, technical proposals, presentations, and reports; present as necessary Collaborate with and/or provide technical leadership to other team members to accomplish organizational goals; provide innovative ideas to improve organizational efficiency at group and department levels Mentor other technical staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills Required skills/experience areas include: Mechanical assemblies Evaluating, designing, and debugging one or more of the following systems: Automation/PLC hardware; Hydraulic systems; Pneumatic systems; Power systems Industrial, construction, or manufacturing background Ability to create formal drawings and three-dimensional models Comfort level in both office and machine shop environments, and effectiveness in communicating where various forms of communication and organizational skills are crucial to be effective An inquisitive, proactive nature, and an openness to learn new tools and technologies Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented environment Demonstrated ability to work through problems that may not be initially well-defined, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution Success in managing projects including tasking, schedules, budgets, and sponsor relations Preferred skills/experience areas include: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering or related field 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 Professional Engineering license Success leading teams of engineers on various projects Proficiency with various software, specifically Solidworks, Siemens NX, AutoCAD, Arduino, Allen Bradley Studio 5000, and MS Project Familiarity with integrating various analog and digital sensing technologies Previous DOD and classified work experience Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA; however, options exist for occasional work from home, dependent on project needs. This position will require occasional travel to various shipyards and depots as part of a small team of engineers and technicians to solve problems. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None 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 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. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL 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