Job Description
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS: We are seeking a motivated Engineering Support Specialist to join our Characterization and Testing Department (CTD) team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You will assist with various research activities throughout the Materials Design and Optimization Division (MDOD). A wide range of materials and characterization methods are critical to existing and emerging research covering ceramic, metallic, polymeric and hybrid structures under evaluation using mechanical, electrical, corrosion, thermal, microscopy and other unique characterization methods to design and optimize required performances.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
- Support and perform daily aspects of hardware fabrication and testing in the MDOD research facility
- Report test progress to the principal investigators and other engineering personnel
- Collaborate with principal investigators daily
- Perform inspections of test articles and document results
- Work with engineers to plan, design, and assemble new test equipment
- Read and interpret mechanical designs drawings for new test specimens and machine parts
- Assist with design and construction of new test equipment
- Troubleshoot malfunctioning test equipment both mechanical and electrical
- Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, thermocouples, accelerometers, etc.
- Responsible for restocking and procurement of lab supplies
- Assist and support fabrication of complex multiple material components
- Assist other research personnel with their work as needed in a small research teams
- Train students and staff on proper operation of laboratory equipment
- Execute and document operating procedures on existing and new hardware
- Supervise and train interns on equipment operations
This position will be filled at multiple levels, dependent upon the selected candidate's education and experience. Minimally requires an Associate's Degree in a technical program plus four years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience required for higher level positions.
Required skills/knowledge include:
- Experience with engineering drawings, both mechanical and electrical
- Operation of various shop and hand tools, precision measurements, drawing interpretation
- Working knowledge of electrical assembly (wiring, sensors, power connections)
- Work with engineers to plan, design, and assemble new test equipment
- Perform and/or review inspections, tests and calibrations of parts and equipment as required by task operations and completion
- Collaborate with senior technical/engineering staff to research emerging best practices, technologies and vendors for qualified task/project execution
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office with the ability and willingness to learn new computer programs
- Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Preferred skills and experience include:
- Manage and assign tasking and support all support staff levels
- Provide and manage preventive maintenance and test planning schedules
- Working knowledge of materials and structures, especially polymer resins and adhesives
- Operation and training of advanced equipment ranging from optical microscopy to programmable furnaces to long-term monitoring of test equipment
- Prior experience in process development, design of experiments, and materials processing
- Experience supporting legacy equipment
Your Work location is University Park, PA. Fully On-site.
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
The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential. The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:
$51,000.00 - $81,500.00
Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.
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.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.
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