Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are searching for a Mechanical Engineering Support Specialist to join our Undersea Materials Technology Prototyping Department facility located in Freeport, PA at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. We are seeking a skilled ceramic machinist who will play a crucial role in the research and development of advanced ceramic materials. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in precision CNC grinding and a passion for solving complex machining challenges. If you like doing something different every day and if you enjoying tackling new challenges in machine set up, tool pathing, tool selection, and fixturing we want to talk to you. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
Set up and Operate CNC grinding machines to achieve high-precision finishes on small quantities of ceramic prototype components
Design and fabricate custom fixtures to support complex machining tasks, ensuring optimal stability and accuracy during the grinding process
Ability to locate sources of supply for advanced tooling and work with tooling vendors to procure
Tackle challenging ceramic and hard material grinding tasks by developing and implementing innovative machining strategies and solutions
Work collaboratively with research teams to understand project requirements and provide machining expertise
Conduct inspections and tests to ensure that machined components meet specified tolerances and quality standards
Maintain accurate records of machining processes, materials used, and outcomes to support research documentation and compliance
Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes
Develop and de-bug tool pathing using MasterCAM or similar software
Provide tooling vendors with suggested modifications of tool design and configuration to achieve advanced machining outcomes
Interact closely with machine vendors to troubleshoot malfunctions and to overcome machine limitations
Use advanced characterization tools to evaluate surface roughness and dimensional discrepancies on machined parts
Provide written reports for inclusion in higher level project reports
Required skills/experience areas include:
4+ years of experience in precision CNC of ceramics
Fabricate solutions for complex machining tasks, including custom fixturing and tooling
CNC-related topics such as CNC programming, GD&T, work holding, tool selection, inspection, unit conversion, and CNC machine maintenance, safety & best practices
Strong work ethic, communication skills, and creative, can-do attitude
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Advanced CNC techniques: five-axis machining, additive/subtractive hybrid CNC, strong CAD/CAM proficiency
Piezoelectric, optical, electronic, carbide and/or refractory materials
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
Your working location will be fully on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $56,200.00 - $89,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
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.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
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.
EEO IS THE LAW
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.