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Research and Development Mechanical Engineer

Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
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University Park, State College, PA, USA
Oct 06, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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.

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POSITION SPECIFICS​

Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. 

We are searching for motivated Research and Development Mechanical Engineers to join the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ESPS is focused on developing novel energy sources and power producing systems mainly for underwater applications by maintaining core skills in the area of thermo-fluid systems, chemical reactions, high-speed machinery, structural analysis, and automation & controls. This role will focus on the design, fabrication and testing of various mechanical components for undersea power systems.

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

You will:

  • Develop, validate, and improve complex mechanical designs from concept through production

  • Collaborate with research and development, additive manufacturing, and testing teams to resolve design challenges

  • Support design reviews, prototype builds, and testing activities

  • Identify opportunities for performance improvement, cost reduction, and design for manufacturability (DFM)

  • Perform structural and thermal-fluid analysis using analytical methods and FEA tools to evaluate mechanical components, assemblies, and systems

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Strong foundation in mechanical design and analysis principles

  • CAD software (Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar)

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills

  • Excellent problem solving skills

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related discipline

  • Structural, thermal, and fluid flow FEA of complex engineering systems (ANSYS preferred)

  • Material selection, manufacturing processes, and GD&T

  • Past success testing and validation methods for structural and thermal-fluid systems

  • Additive manufacturing (LPBF) and DfAM

  • Experimental testing and analysis for full design-build-test cycles

  • 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's 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: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Mechanical (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required 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 .

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 $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.

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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Job ID

REQ_0000082064

Security Clearance

Top Secret
About Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
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