Mechanical Engineer

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Systems and Emerging Capabilities Division in the Undersea Systems Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is in search of a mechanical engineer to join our team to focus on designing, analyzing, building, and testing undersea electric propulsion systems for our program sponsors in the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC). 

This position covers all aspects of propulsion plant and support equipment design, including the development of fixtures and jigs for assembly, special tools and equipment, land-based testing apparatus, power transmission shafting, and other special tools and equipment required for testing and maintenance.

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

In this position, you will:

• Design, fabricate, test, and deliver the mechanical components of an electric propulsion system, including hull sections, motor, motor controller, battery, and ancillary systems that meet program requirements

• Design and fabricate assembly, maintenance, and support equipment

• Collaborate with the responsible engineers to package the major subsystems including the battery, motor, motor controller, bus bars, bus capacitance, battery management system, and related equipment

• Interface with internal management, program sponsors, and other stakeholders to communicate progress and technical challenges associated with existing programs

• Develop assembly, acceptance test, and refurbishment procedures for mechanical assemblies

• Collaborate with drafting to create detailed drawings of individual parts and assemblies

• Collaborate with engineering support technicians on the assembly and testing of mechanical components, subassemblies, and complete power plants

• Lead mechanical system troubleshooting efforts

• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope. Plan, schedule, conduct, or coordinate detailed phases of the work

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions

• Lead small, multi-disciplinary teams on new or improved-design tasking

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to reduce power plant signature

• Evaluate designs using structural and thermal finite element analysis

• Independently manage multiple and/or large mechanical systems projects

• Mentor less experienced staff in the development of technical and project skills

• Develop proposals and plans for design enhancements or new program starts

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending upon your education and experience.  Minimal requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering or Science discipline, 5+ years related experience.  Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher levels. A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is preferred.

Required skills:

• Demonstrated success as a part of multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams

• Excellent written and oral presentation skills

• 3D CAD design and engineering drawing development (Siemens NX preferred)

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings

• Proficiency with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (ANSI Y14.5)

• Proficiency in completing free body diagrams; using hand calculations to calculate forces and resultant stresses on structures

• Experience packaging complex electromechanical assemblies

Preferred skills:

• Experience with heat transfer principles, heat exchanger designs, and related analysis

• Experience with fluid flow principles including pump design considerations

Your working location will be fully on-site, in State College, PA, with the potential for occasional hybrid on-site/work from home opportunities. This position may require occasional travel to off-site locations in support of testing.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. 

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).  We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: