Materials Research and Development Engineer
Pennsylvania State University
Materials Research and Development Engineer
Pennsylvania State University
Land-grant university in University Park, PA
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.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to join the Polymer Composite Manufacturing 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 various research activities throughout the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division including manufacturing, characterization, and design of polymers and fiber-reinforced polymer composites, elastomers, ceramic matrix composites, and/or multi-material structures.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Support the research, design, development, and fabrication of advanced polymer and composite structures for defense and industrial applications
Perform and support fabrication, characterization, testing, and evaluation activities while ensuring technical quality and accuracy
Apply sound engineering judgment, critical thinking, and attention to detail to solve technical challenges and support project objectives
Contribute to white papers, technical proposals, project plans, customer meetings, and other business development initiatives
Lead and manage technical tasks, proposals, and research projects while serving as a Task Lead or Principal Investigator, as appropriate
Present technical findings, project updates, and recommendations to sponsors, customers, and other stakeholders
Develop and maintain test plans, procedures, bills of materials, technical reports, presentations, and other formal project documentation
Execute assigned work in accordance with written and verbal instructions while proactively identifying and communicating technical issues and risks
Provide regular project status updates and technical progress reports to Principal Investigators, project leadership, and engineering staff
Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve project goals and technical milestones
Demonstrate initiative by seeking guidance, sharing knowledge, and engaging with supervisors and team members to ensure project success
Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment while adhering to established safety procedures and best practice
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
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:
Polymer structure-property relationships and the ability to produce new thermoset materials with specific properties
Thermoset elastomer development
Process development of prototype structures
Past success utilizing a wide range of materials characterization techniques including mechanical property testing, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and chemical analysis
Understanding of relationships between composition, microstructure, processing, and material properties
Polymer processing and characterization methods
Testing and characterization methods for composite materials
Project engineering or management
Past success providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension
Successful collaborations in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
Coatings, adhesives, and fiber-reinforced composites
Leading projects and working with customers/sponsors
Developing new proposals and projects
Past success working on defense projects
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 R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (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 - Materials (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
NoneARL’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 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, 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 $121,704.00 - $265,704.00.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.
Land-grant university in University Park, PA
Pennsylvania State University is a multi-campus, land-grant public research university whose mission spans undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service.
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