Research and Development Test Engineer

Application Instructions

• Current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student): log in to Workday to complete the internal application process.
• Current Penn State student (not previously employed): log in to Workday to complete the student application process.
• External applicants: click “Apply” and complete the external application process.
• Remote and hybrid work approval is not guaranteed regardless of work location.
• For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see the Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Position Overview

The role is a fully on‑site position in State College, PA, searching for a highly motivated Research & Development Test Engineer to join the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). ESPS develops novel energy sources and power‑producing systems for underwater applications, focusing on thermo‑fluid systems, chemical reactions, high‑speed machinery, structural analysis, and automation & controls. The engineer will plan, set up, and execute experimental tests, analyze results, and update test objectives to obtain meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute test plans and procedures for multi‑disciplinary hardware systems.
• Perform test risk reduction activities and safety analyses with other engineers.
• Conduct functional, environmental, and performance tests using laboratory instrumentation.
• Set up, configure, and verify test benches, fixtures, sensors, data acquisition hardware, and other measurement equipment.
• Collaborate with engineering support staff to fabricate test hardware, prototypes, and fixtures.
• Collect, analyze, and document test data; identify anomalies; and support root‑cause investigations.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of qualification processes and quality procedures for engineering support staff.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience with laboratory instrumentation such as mass flow meters, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and data acquisition systems (e.g., NI hardware and software).
• Strong problem‑solving ability with willingness to work hands‑on with hardware.
• Clear and organized documentation skills.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with and testing hazardous energetic materials, including familiarity with safety measures and documentation.
• Knowledge of verification and validation methods for thermal‑fluid systems.
• Experience with structural, thermal, and fluid‑flow FEA of complex engineering systems (ANSYS preferred).
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometer, gas chromatograph).
• Exposure to quality control standards, best practices for manufacturing, and qualification of engineering support staff.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher (subject to government background investigation).

Education, Experience, and Certifications

R&D Engineer – Test (ARL) – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science and 2+ years of relevant experience. No required certifications.

R&D Engineer – Test (ARL) – Professional: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science. No prior relevant work experience required. No required certifications.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position, covering all possible grades, is $80,100.00 – $152,004.00.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time); and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit the Penn State Benefits Page.