Hydro Controls Research and Development Engineer

We are searching for a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join our Fluids Machinery Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, which has a long, successful history of providing innovative solutions and technology for a range of U.S. Government and Industry sponsors.

About the role

In this position, you will support the design and analysis of marine vehicle hydrodynamics, control effector design, flight controls and maneuvering, as well as supporting experimental fluids testing in a laboratory or field environment.

• Marine vehicle hydrodynamics focus on a detailed understanding of fluid generated forces (lift and drag) from various parts of a vehicle and how they interact.
• Flight controls and maneuvering focus on how pilots and autopilot algorithms use understanding of these fluid generated forces to control the kinematics (i.e. motion) of a vehicle in time and space.
• Experimental fluids testing involves observation and measurement of forces, moments, and flow interacting with a test article in a laboratory environment (wind tunnel or water tunnel) or with a prototype operating in the field.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the component, subsystem and/or full vehicle system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on well-defined questions and problems
• Perform hands-on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments
• Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results
• Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty

Additional responsibilities for senior-level positions

• Lead the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
• Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external hydrodynamics or aerodynamics at the subsystem or system level
• Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics as part of multidisciplinary teams on ill-defined questions and problems
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives
• Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research
• Author/co-author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees
• Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships

Requirements

• A BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• Strong background in aerodynamics or fluid mechanics
• Experience with flight dynamics and controls beyond undergraduate coursework (to include relevant work experience)
• Success in an environment where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Effective at presenting in front of professionals, conveying information to drive to action or decision
• Previous success with collaborations in a diverse, multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D.
• Design and execution of experiments using wind or water tunnels
• Demonstrated expertise with vehicle flight dynamics and controls involving design, analysis, or testing
• Familiarity with solid modeling/CAD systems, MATLAB, or Simulink
• Active government security clearance

Work Environment

• Your working location will be project-dependent with the ability for hybrid work, located in State College, PA.
• This position will require some off-site travel and extended off-site work.
• 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.
• 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.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Minimum Education and Experience

• If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 14+ years of relevant experience.
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• If filled as R&D Engineer - Aerospace (ARL) - Intermediate Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science with 2+ years of relevant experience.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $105,900.00 - $231,000.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

For more detailed information, please visit the Benefits Page.