APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 1. CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. 2. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. 3. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for a hands-on Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanicalto join the Materials for Extreme Environments Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Materials for Extreme Environments Department develops and evaluates advanced materials, manufacturing processes, and engineering solutions for demanding operational environments. This role will support laboratory research, materials processing, prototype fabrication, equipment operation, component testing, and the transition of new technologies into practical applications for the U.S. military, and other government customers. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: 1. Prepare metallic, ceramic, polymer, composite, and coated specimens through cutting, machining, grinding, polishing, cleaning, and masking 2. Operate and support materials-processing, coating, heat-treatment, surface-preparation, and testing equipment 3. Design, fabricate, assemble, and modify prototypes, experimental hardware, and test fixtures under the direction of engineering staff 4. Conduct and document mechanical, thermal, environmental, and surface-property testing 5. Perform materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, profilometry, and other analytical methods 6. Configure and operate furnaces, vacuum hardware, compressed-gas systems, sensors, pumps, and data-acquisition equipment 7. Support machining, welding, additive manufacturing, fabrication, and mechanical assembly activities 8. Troubleshoot, maintain, and improve laboratory and manufacturing equipment 9. Collect, organize, and summarize test data while maintaining accurate laboratory records 10. Communicate equipment status, test results, and technical observations to engineers and project leadership 11. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, scientists, faculty, technologists, and technical staff 12. Maintain clean, safe, and organized laboratory and work areas Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include: 1. Independently plan and execute difficult or complex technical assignments 2. Develop and improve laboratory procedures, test methods, fixtures, and equipment 3. Coordinate laboratory activities and establish priorities within assigned technical areas 4. Provide technical direction and guidance to less-experienced staff, students, and interns 5. Lead defined technical tasks and communicate with project leadership, customers, vendors, and external partners 6. Review completed work for technical accuracy, quality, and compliance with established requirements Required Skills/Experience areas include: 1. Past success utilizing laboratory, manufacturing, fabrication, mechanical testing, equipment operation, or maintenance activities 2. Safe use of laboratory equipment, hand tools, measuring instruments, and fabrication equipment 3. Identify and troubleshoot practical techn cal problems 4. Follow technical drawings, procedures, specifications, or test standards 5. Maintain organized and detailed laboratory records 6. Express technical information clearly to drive understanding 7. Experience collaborating in multidisciplinary, team-oriented cultures 8. Laboratory and shop safety practices, including personal protective equipment, chemical handling, compressed gases, and waste disposal Preferred Skills/Experience areas include: 1. Materials processing, coatings, surface preparation, heat treatment, machining, welding, or additive manufacturing 2. Mechanical, adhesion, wear, corrosion, hardness, roughness, thermal, or coating-thickness testing 3. Optical microscopy, SEM/EDS, FTIR, XRD, profilometry, or other materials-characterization methods 4. Furnaces, vacuum systems, compressed-gas systems, pumps, sensors, or data-acquisition equipment 5. Computer-aided design and technical drawing software 6. ASTM, military, or industry test standards 7. Maintenance, troubleshooting, or modification of laboratory and manufacturing equipment 8. 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 MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Mechanical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, particip