Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer at Penn State University

The Applied Research Lab (ARL) at Pennsylvania State University is seeking a candidate for a Mechatronics Engineer position. This role focuses on the design, build, and test of electromechanical systems that support Underwater Test Vehicle development, operations, and testing at the ARL Keyport Detachment in Keyport, WA. This position emphasizes multidisciplinary electromechanical design and testing and can be filled at various levels depending on education and experience.

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

What You Will Do

• Design, build, operate, and maintain underwater test vehicles.
• Work with a team of engineers and technicians to creatively evaluate and design solutions to complex technical problems.
• Update, modernize, and maintain existing test and evaluation systems to ensure reliable operation.
• Support field testing of vehicles; working on small boats and ocean-going vessels for vehicle development and in-water test events.

Additional Responsibilities (High-Level Positions)

• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems.
• Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs.
• Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes.
• Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof.

Required Skills and Experience

• Ability to go from concept, to models and simulation, to prototype construction.
• Emphasis on hands-on work and ability to build, install, troubleshoot, modify, and repair electromechanical systems.
• Heavy emphasis on problem-solving skills, identifying technical issues that can be addressed for long-term success.
• Ability to provide technical rigor and discipline to the problem-solving process.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills demonstrated by conveying information and collaborating with others to drive decisions toward action.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Ability to learn and work across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, logistics, etc.) in a small team environment of engineers, technicians, and US Navy personnel.
• Position can be filled by candidates with a primary focus in mechanical or electrical engineering within a multidisciplinary environment.
• For mechanical focus, candidates should have experience with design tools such as Siemens NX, Teamcenter, SolidWorks, ANSYS, etc.
• For electrical focus, candidates should have experience with digital and analog circuit design, schematic creation, PCB layout, microcontroller, FPGA, embedded computing, and/or firmware development.
• Ideal candidates have experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Xilinx Vivado, Xilinx Vitis, Microchip MPLAB, Git, CAN, Serial, and/or UDP.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Working Location & Travel

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Keyport, WA. 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

This position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science.

• Research and Development Engineer - Professional: No prior relevant work experience required.
• Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional: 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional: 5+ years of relevant experience.

No certifications are explicitly required. A Master's degree is preferred across all levels.

About The Applied Research Lab (ARL)

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, and the Intelligence Community (IC).

Background Checks & Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s). 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 is $76,700.00 - $164,000.00, potentially impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time), and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.

Key skills/competency

• Mechatronics
• Electromechanical Systems
• Underwater Vehicles
• System Design
• Testing & Evaluation
• Troubleshooting
• Problem Solving
• Engineering Principles
• Field Operations
• Prototype Development