Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical

• Apply mechanical engineering principles and technical practices to support research and development activities, including design support, layout, fabrication, machining coordination, assembly, integration, and testing of experimental hardware, prototype systems, and facility-based research equipment

• Assist in the development, modification, and refinement of experimental setups, mechanical subsystems, test fixtures, tooling, and prototype assemblies to meet project and sponsor objectives

• Perform inspection, calibration, testing, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems and subsystems, including structural assemblies, fluid systems, rotating equipment, and integrated electromechanical test setups

• Ensure safe and reliable operation of laboratory and field test equipment by following established safety protocols, engineering standards, and operational procedures

• Support field test environments, including instrumentation integration and post-test system recovery

• Maintain accurate and controlled documentation of mechanical designs, equipment configurations, fabrication records, maintenance logs, calibration data, and test results in accordance with laboratory, sponsor, and regulatory requirements

• Identify mechanical system failures and performance issues; conduct root-cause analysis; document findings; implement corrective actions in coordination with engineering staff

• Communicate project status, technical findings, resource needs, and operational challenges to engineering and project leadership

• Participate in multidisciplinary teams supporting experimental planning, system integration, test execution, data collection, and analysis in both laboratory and field environments

• Support fabrication and machine shop coordination, ensuring accurate translation of engineering drawings into physical components and assemblies

• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on improving mechanical system performance, fabrication efficiency, laboratory operations, and experimental reliability

• Assist in compiling, organizing, and archiving experimental data, technical records, and test documentation in support of sponsor reporting, research publications, and program deliverables

• May provide limited task leadership for defined mechanical build, fabrication, or field test activities under engineering direction

• Proficient in the use of mechanical tools

• Very high attention to detail

• Work with minimal supervision on more difficult work assignments

• Understand engineering drawings and identify parts for those drawings

• Understand mechanical, electrical and electronic components

• Clearly communicate with engineers, technicians and suppliers

• Proficient writing skills to document work processes

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, with the ability and willingness to perform basic computer tasks and learn computer programs

• Advanced proficiency in electro-mechanical hand tools

• Advanced expertise in electro-mechanical techniques

• Familiarity with non-CNC machine shop equipment

• Proficiency with CAD programs

• An associate's degree in an electro-mechanical or mechanical field of study

• 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

ARL’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.

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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.

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