New

Mechanical Engineer - FACULTY

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Feb 24, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 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. 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. 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 talented and motivated Mechanical Engineers to join the High Performance Materials and Processing Department (HPMP) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking individuals with knowledge across a range of competencies including Design and Analysis, Model and Simulation, Process Development and Optimization, and Characterization and Testing. The successful candidate 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-Penn State has a decades long reputation of excellence and demonstrated history of developing systems and technologies currently used by the US Navy and industry. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Use accepted methods and techniques to assist with the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems Contribute data/findings for use in technical reports, documents, or oral/written presentations Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals; may provide ideas to improve efficiency at group. Program management of multi-year research programs, tracking deliverables, milestones, and resource allocation Present research, designs, and findings internally to engineers and scientists as well as externally to sponsors and research partners Aid in the design, fabrication, and testing of advanced material systems across ceramics, metals, and ceramic/metal matrix composites; work spans design and analysis, process development and optimization, and characterization and testing, with opportunities to contribute from concept through prototype and validation Additional responsibilities for higher level position include: Ability to manage a laboratory space Direct work of lower-level staff and undergraduate students Investigate and evaluate applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles in the development and improvement of engineering systems Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for technical reports, documents, proposals, or oral/written presentations Author/co-author papers, proposals, presentations, and reports Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience. Required skills/experience areas include: 5+ years of understanding basic engineering principles and applying them to real-world problems Ability to facilitate the overall design process including conception, analysis, building, and testing of mechanical systems Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team environment Have excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills 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 Preferred skills/experience areas include: Prior work in hypersonics, aerospace, and propulsion technologies Ceramic and metallurgical engineering for high temperature environments Defense manufacturing technology development Prototyping, hardware manufacturing, and rapid design iteration NX and Solidworks Abaqus, COMSOL, Ansys, and Matlab Mechanical/Electrical design and troubleshooting Past success presenting work to sponsors and technical audiences Materials characterization using techniques including optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical profilometry Working knowledge of vacuum system pumps, controls, electrical requirements, design, and integration of components Preferred degrees could include: Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace engineering, Process Engineering, and Material Science Engineering Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists. 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 topossess 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. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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 ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines