Full-Time

Mechanical Research and Development Engineer

Updated on 9/13/2026

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

Land-grant university in University Park, PA

Compensation Overview

$92.1k - $174.7k/yr

No H1B Sponsorship

State College, PA, USA

In Person

Fully on-site in State College, with periodic travel to remote testing locations.

US Citizenship, US Top Secret Clearance Required

Bachelor's

Category
Mechanical Engineering (1)
Required Skills
Welding
CAD
Microsoft Office
Robotics

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Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in an engineering, science, or engineering technology discipline and 4+ years of related experience.
  • Strong foundation in computer numerical control and manual machining.
  • Experience using different materials and processes, repair and maintenance technology, robotics, scheduling, logistics, and program or job planning.
  • Understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Understanding of working in an industrial environment.
  • Laboratory testing experience and ability to follow test procedures and standards.
  • Welding experience.
  • Sheet metal fabrication experience.
  • Electrical wiring experience with alternating current and direct current.
  • Experience interpreting and applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • General equipment maintenance and routine preventative maintenance experience.
  • Knowledge of machine shop and laboratory safety practices.
  • Success in a technical environment requiring effective communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work through problems by defining and formulating ideas and reaching solutions.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
Responsibilities
  • Provide input to and assist with sample production and Cold Spray process support equipment setup, design, and assembly.
  • Perform fabrication, machining, characterization, and mechanical testing of materials in support of projects.
  • Meet with faculty and staff engineers to define task requirements and schedule constraints, communicate progress to engineers and project managers, and facilitate identification of resources needed to accomplish tasks and projects.
  • Perform daily specimen and coupon fabrication operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment.
  • Document process parameters and processes.
  • Operate and maintain Cold Spray, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing, and Wire Arc Direct Energy Deposition systems, including stationary and portable robotics.
  • Inspect, test, and calibrate equipment as directed.
  • Perform facility maintenance and repair of capital and test equipment in support of projects.
  • Assist senior technical and engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or field.
  • Develop documentation of task procedures and process evaluations.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with additive manufacturing and/or Cold Spray.
  • Experience with robotic systems and programming.
  • Working understanding of Navy Shipyard operations.
  • Understanding of Navy materials and manufacturing processes and Navy material repair techniques, including Cold Spray, welding, and electroplating.
  • Knowledge of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing.
  • Mechanical design and drafting experience.
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and willingness to undergo a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility if required.
Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University

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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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