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 an Electrical Engineering Support Specialist to join the Electrical and Mechanical Solutions Department at The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you will contribute to a variety of projects that support the command, control, and communication missions for our military sponsors. You’ll be hands on with the fabrication, assembly, and validation of complex hardware designs, and you’ll have an opportunity to support field work at locations around the world.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Perform assembly operations and fabrication of deliverable equipment
- Evaluate, recommend, and purchase materials and components to meet operation specifications and interact with vendors
- Install, calibrate, operate, and/or maintain standard and non-standard equipment, experimental hardware, and/or computer systems
- Assist with or assess in identifying system faults; repair/adjust standard and non-standard equipment
- Provide input to the layout, fabrication, assembly, documentation, and testing of standard and non-standard equipment
- Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data
- Work as part of a test project team
Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:
- Provide input and perform design and layout of standard test equipment
- Inspect, test, and calibrate parts and equipment
- Evaluate the selection of materials and components based on operational and performance specifications
- Assess and identify system faults; adjust and repair as needed
- Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data
- As part of a test project team, perform task leadership roles
- May develop and provide documentation for task procedures and process evaluation
Required skills/experience areas include:
- Electronics and/or electro-mechanics components, including understanding schematics and assembly drawings, interpreting component datasheets, and soldering surface mount and leading components
- Past success operating electronic test equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzer, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes), as well as assembly, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic components
- Microsoft Office software
- Willingness to perform basic computer tasks and an interest in learning new programs
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
- Active security clearance, at the Secret level
- Schematic entry and layout software, such as Altium
- Mechanical design software, such as SolidWorks or Fusion
- RF hardware, including amplifiers, attenuators, mixers, coaxial cable, receivers, and transmitters
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require occasional travel to off-site locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (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

If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:
Associate Degree
No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
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 $46,800.00 - $77,304.00.
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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