Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical
Quick Summary
Independently plan and execute difficult or complex technical assignments Develop and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures,
Past success utilizing laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, mechanical testing, equipment operation, or maintenance activities Safe use of laboratory equipment, hand tools, measuring instruments,
- Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, machining, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking
- Operate and support materials-processing, coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, and testing equipment
- Design, fabricate, assemble, and modify prototypes, experimental hardware, and test fixtures under the direction of engineering staff
- Conduct and document mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing
- Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods
- Configure and operate furnaces, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, sensors, pumps, and data-acquisition equipment
- Support machining, welding, additive manufacturing, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities
- Troubleshoot, maintain, and improve laboratory and manufacturing equipment
- Collect, organize, and summarize test data while maintaining accurate laboratory records
- Communicate equipment status, test results, and technical observations to engineers and project leadership
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, faculty, technologists, and technical staff
- Maintain clean, safe, and organized laboratory and work areas
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →Independently plan and execute difficult or complex technical assignments
- →Develop and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and equipment
- →Coordinate laboratory activities and establish priorities within assigned technical areas
- →Provide technical direction and guidance to less-experienced staff, students, and interns
- →Lead defined technical tasks and communicate with project leadership, customers, vendors, and external partners
- →Review completed work for technical accuracy, quality, and compliance with established requirements
- Past success utilizing laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, mechanical testing, equipment operation, or maintenance activities
- Safe use of laboratory equipment, hand tools, measuring instruments, and fabrication equipment
- Identify and troubleshoot practical technical problems
- Follow technical drawings, procedures, specifications, or test standards
- Maintain organized and detailed laboratory records
- Express technical information clearly to drive understanding
- Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures
- Laboratory and shop safety practices, including personal protective equipment, chemical handling, compressed gases, and waste disposal
Nice to Have
~1 min read
- Materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, machining, welding, or additive manufacturing
- Mechanical, adhesion, wear, corrosion, hardness, roughness, thermal, or coating-thickness testing
- Optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD, profilometry, or other materials-characterization methods
- Furnaces, vacuum systems, compressed-gas systems, pumps, sensors, or data-acquisition equipment
- Computer-aided design and technical drawing software
- ASTM, military, or industry test standards
- Maintenance, troubleshooting, or modification of laboratory and manufacturing equipment
- 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 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
- $68,604–$113,100 a year
- 34% above the $67,600 median for Other jobs on Jobera (122,652 salaries).
- Posted
- 20 days ago
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 6, 2026
- First seen
- October 26, 2026
- Last seen
- October 26, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 30%
- Scored at
- October 26, 2026
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