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 seeking experienced Mechanical Engineering Support Specialists to join the Experimental Support Department within the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. USO designs, develops, validates, and maintains a suite of large-scale undersea warfare models and simulations used by technology developers, analysts, the Navy, and allied partners. We serve as a research center of excellence in undersea weapons, unmanned undersea vehicles, and advanced sonars.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Collaborate daily with engineers and engineering support specialists
- Provide feedback and recommendations to design engineers to improve designs and/or manufacturability
- Handle energetic materials in accordance with safe practices and established procedures
- Fabricate and assemble prototype mechanical systems and test hardware
- Assist with developing and writing detailed assembly procedures
- Install, calibrate, and use precision testing instrumentation
- Install and verify complex test setups using standard and non-standard equipment
- Conduct mechanical and electrical troubleshooting of test equipment
- Conduct or assist in conducting small-scale to system-level tests in accordance with established procedures
- Assist with collecting, compiling, analyzing, and documenting test data for relevant engineering personnel
- Aid in the control and safe disposal of hazardous and other laboratory materials
- Recommend, source, and procure materials and parts for system manufacturing and testing
Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:
- Managing A&E-related storage, handling, and transportation operations
- Demonstrating proficiency with mechanical drawings and geometric tolerancing
- Writing standard operating procedures and maintenance plans
- Assigning work to other support staff
- Designing and implementing new or modified fabrication hardware
Required skills/experience:
- Prior experience handling energetic materials
- Understanding of general hazards associated with energetics work and common mitigation practices
- Ability to make informed adjustments to established procedures while maintaining safety requirements
- Familiarity with the assembly, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and complete tasks with minimal supervision after appropriate training
Preferred skills/experience:
- Graduate of the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD)
- Working knowledge of ATF/DOT standards for storage and transportation of Hazard Class (HC) 1 items
- Familiarity with DoD Manual 4145.26, DoD Contractor’s Safety Manual for Ammunition and Explosives
- Familiarity with Defense Explosive Safety Regulation (DESR) 6055.09
- Experience using and calibrating instrumentation such as thermocouples, strain gauges, accelerometers, pressure transducers, and flow meters
- Working knowledge of wiring, electronics, and electronic principles
- Knowledge of or experience with weld design and basic MIG or TIG welding and/or resistance tack welding operations
- 3D modeling software/CAD such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or Siemens NX
- Past success fabricating hydraulic systems, tube bending, and using tube fittings such as Swagelok
- Developing and/or writing assembly procedures
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret or Top Secret level, with the ability to obtain a clearance upgrade if required
This position is fully on-site in State College, PA. Questions regarding flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Engineering Technologist - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Engineering Technologist - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree
3+ 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 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.
All positions at ARL require candidates to possess 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 $68,200.00 - $115,100.00.**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.
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