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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Opto-Mechanical System Department team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State.  ARL’s purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and Intelligence communities engineering and technology needs. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving lasers, sensors, and electro-optical technology.

This position will be located in Freeport, PA.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Design and analyze components utilized for HEL, imaging and other EO systems utilizing design tools such as Solidworks, ANSYS, Sigfit, MATLAB, and others for size, weight, stiffness, and performance over temperature, vibration, and inertial loads.
• Work with optical engineers to iterate designs based on analysis results and impact to image quality, pointing stability, thermal creep, etc. 
• Develop drawings with specification for fabrication including tolerances, finish, etc. Work with vendors on requirements and manufacture-ability.
• Integrate and test at the component and system level. Conduct field testing of optical systems at sponsor facilities and outdoor test ranges. 

This position can be filled at multiple levels depending upon the successful candidate’s education and experience. Minimally requires a Bachelors’ degree in an Engineering or Science discipline and 2 years related experience. Additional experience and education are required for higher-level positions.

Higher-level responsibilities include:

• Excellent organization, presentation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a project team and interface with sponsor organizations.
• Assist in new concept development and project/task execution; analyzing alternatives and applying engineering and project management techniques and procedures to assignments.
• Assist in the development of project plans for new projects with internal and external stakeholders by identifying issues and solutions.

Required skills and experience includes:

• Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as part of a multidisciplinary team and adapt to changing requirements
• Eligibility for Secret Clearance
• Travel, at times up to 25%, will be required/expected to support programs.

Preferred skills and experience includes:

• Optical sciences or related field
• Mechanical design and analysis software such as Solidworks, ProE, ANSYS, etc.
• Technical leadership involving derivation of requirements, guiding other engineers, and leading of trade analysis
• Development of opto-mechanical systems or mechanical structures with size, weight, and stiffness requirements
• Manufacturing including machining, welding, adhesives, and finishing
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, speaking with ease to very senior and large audiences
• An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable

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 www.arl.psu.edu.

**The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.**

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS: