Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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 We are searching for a Mechanical Engineering Specialist to join the Expeditionary Manufacturing and Repair Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We specialize in developing innovative and affordable technology solutions than can be implemented and sustained by our customers. This role will support research and development of new materials, innovative material system designs, and novel fabrication and testing methods covering a wide range of material systems including ceramics, metallics, and ceramic/metal matrix composites. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: 1. Provide input to and assist with sample production as well as Cold Spray process support equipment setup, design and assembly 2. Perform fabrication/machining/characterization/mechanical testing of materials in support of projects 3. Meet with faculty and staff engineers to define the scope of task requirements and schedule constraints, communicate with engineers and project managers to provide progress reports, and facilitate the identification of resources needed to accomplish the task/project 4. Perform daily specimen and coupon fabrication operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment 5. Document process parameters and processes 6. Operate and maintain Cold Spray, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing, and Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition systems, which include both stationary and portable robotics 7. Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment as directed 8. Perform facility maintenance and repair of capital and test equipment in support of various projects 9. Assist seniortechnical/engineeringstaff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field 10. Develop documentation of task procedures and process evaluation Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: 1. Communicate project status, technical findings, resource needs, and operational challenges to engineering and project leadership 2. Participate in multidisciplinary teams supporting experimental planning, system integration, test execution, data collection, and analysis in both laboratory and field environments 3. Support fabrication and machine shop coordination, ensuring accurate translation of engineering drawings into physical components and assemblies 4. Contribute to the management and accountability of laboratory equipment, tools, fixtures, and materials in support of configuration control and asset tracking requirements 5. Develop, maintain, and improve technical procedures, fabrication instructions, assembly guides, test protocols, and safety documentation to support repeatable and reliable operations 6. Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability Required Skills/Experience areas include: 1. CNC and Manual Machining 2. Different types of materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program/job lanning 3. Mechanical and electrical systems 4. Past success within an industrial environment 5. Welding and Sheet metal fabrication 6. Electrical wiring (AC and DC) 7. Laboratory testing, including test procedures and standards 8. Interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) 9. General equipment and routine preventative maintenance 10. Machine shop and lab safety practices 11. Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding 12. Demonstrated ability to solve complex problems methodically 13. Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams Preferred skills/experience areas include: 1. Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Science, or Engineering Technology Discipline 2. Robotic systems and programming 3. Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes as well as Navy material repair techniques including Cold Spray, welding, electroplating, etc. 4. Mechanical design and drafting (CAD/CAM) 5. Additive manufacturing processes 6. 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. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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