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Research and Development Mechanical Engineer


Job Location:

University Park, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 105900 - 231000
Posted: 21 August 2026 (16 days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a motivated and inquisitive Mechanical Engineer to join our Specialized Hardware and Rapid Prototyping Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Lifecycle Engineering specializes in developing tangible solutions to maintenance and manufacturing problems in a shipyard/depot level mission of the Systems Engineering and Rapid Prototyping (SERP) Division is to provide full spectrum support for the research evaluation development rapid prototyping manufacturing fielding and testing of complex systems which support the warfighter and our nations defense. We support the mission of SERP by executing the research design and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

  • Conduct independent and collaborative research development testing and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting the Navy the Intel Community (IC) and other sponsors and national security missions

  • Investigate evaluate and apply established and emerging engineering principles scientific methodologies and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions

  • Plan perform and lead analytical studies modeling and simulation laboratory experimentation field testing and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance

  • Design develop integrate analyze and evaluate complex hardware software embedded systems sensors communications systems electromechanical systems or other mission-critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines

  • Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle including requirements development architecture definition design trade studies integration verification validation risk management and configuration management

  • Develop experimental plans test procedures data collection methodologies and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues validate assumptions and recommend design improvements

  • Support development of advanced prototypes and transition technologies from research concepts into operational capabilities for government sponsors

  • Prepare technical reports engineering analyses research publications white papers proposals briefings and sponsor deliverables documenting research methods technical findings and program status

  • Present technical information and research results to sponsors program managers technical review boards and other internal and external stakeholders

  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers scientists software developers technicians and external research partners to accomplish program objectives

  • Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable sponsor requirements engineering standards quality requirements cybersecurity policies export control regulations information assurance requirements and laboratory security procedures

  • Support research conducted within Unclassified Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

  • Manage technical tasks and engineering projects of varying size and complexity including responsibility for technical performance schedules budgets deliverables and risk management

  • Participate in technology transition activities including system integration operational demonstrations customer evaluations manufacturing support and field implementation

  • Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution system performance reliability maintainability and mission effectiveness

  • Initiate and contribute to business development activities through technical concept development customer engagement proposal preparation Independent Research and Development (IRAD) initiatives and strategic technology planning

  • Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers engineering technologists engineering support personnel interns and students

  • Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development participation in technical working groups awareness of emerging technologies and engagement with the defense research community

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Past success designing installing and debugging automation and control systems in the field including upgrading legacy hardware to modern standards

  • Willingness to learn new tools and technologies

  • Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective and where problems are not initially defined

  • Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary team-oriented cultures

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • Professional Engineering license

  • Solidworks Siemens NX AutoCAD Arduino

  • Familiarity with integrating various analog and digital sensing technologies

  • Previous Navy IC and other federal government customer exposure

  • Leading multi-disciplinary research engineers

  • 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.

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Senior Professional this position requires: Bachelors 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: Bachelors Degree - Engineering or Science 5 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional this position requires: Bachelors Degree - Engineering or Science 2 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

ARLs 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.

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 $105900.00 - $231000.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional 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 .

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Required Experience:

IC


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