Mechanical Research & Development Engineer
Quick Summary
Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI),
Perform analytical and computational modeling to evaluate system and structural behavior, component interactions, and overall design performance
Develop detailed mechanical designs and assemblies using mechanical CAD software
Conduct laboratory testing to validate analytical models
Flexibly to adapt across a variety of technical tasks, including CAD modeling, scripting in MATLAB/Python, analytical modeling, and supporting experimental testing
Collaborate closely with senior engineers, receiving mentorship in modeling, design methodologies, and interdisciplinary engineering practices
Support system and subsystem integration efforts by analyzing interfaces, ensuring compatibility, and contributing to the development of fully integrated system architectures
Perform detailed finite element analysis of multi‑material systems as part of broader design and integration activities, supporting structural evaluation, system modeling, and engineering decision‑making
Responsibilities
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Support research conducted within Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified environments while safeguarding sensitive technical information and government-furnished data
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Participate in technology transition activities, including system integration, operational demonstrations, customer evaluations, manufacturing support, and field implementation
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Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to improve program execution, system performance, reliability, maintainability, and mission effectiveness
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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
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Mentor and provide technical leadership to junior engineers, engineering technologists, engineering support personnel, interns, and students
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Maintain technical expertise through continued professional development, participation in technical working groups, awareness of emerging technologies, and engagement with the defense research community
Finite element analysis (FEA) modeling and structural analysis of multi-material systems
CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
Programming skills (MATLAB/Python)
Ability to quickly adapt to diverse engineering tasks and changing project priorities
Demonstrated collaboration within a multidisciplinary team
Nice to Have
~1 min readAbaqus or similar advanced FEA software
Past success with multi‑material assemblies and integrated system architectures
Mechanical testing methods and laboratory experiments
Modeling, subsystem integration, or interface analysis
Your working location will be full on-site located in State College, PA.
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
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.
What We Offer
~1 min read
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.
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.
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.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $105,900–$200,808 a year
- 125% above the $68,120 median for Other jobs on Jobera (125,697 salaries).
- Posted
- Today
Listing Details
- First seen
- October 27, 2026
- Last seen
- October 27, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 63%
- Scored at
- October 27, 2026
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