Research & Development Design Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania
Jul 30, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 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. 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. 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 We are searching for multi-disciplinary engineer to join our Transduction Device and Array Development Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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). Utilizing a breadth of engineering skills, you will design, analyze, fabricate, and test underwater acoustic transduction systems.Your knowledge of mechanical, electrical, acoustic, and material science concepts will develop innovative sonar transducer and array designs. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Analyze, design, and test sonar transducers / arrays Design and analyze mechanical packaging concepts Analyze electrical circuits Design fabrication tooling and test beds Create and apply assembly procedures Provide oversight, technical leadership, and supervision of staff conducting transducer fabrication and testing Develop and present technical and project status reports Perform project management (schedule and budget development) Collaborate with team members; nurture and maintain relationships with customers and vendors Additional responsibilities for higher level position include: Manage multiple or large projects Make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals Create opportunities to expand transduction technology Nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors Identify grant/project follow-on work and persuade customers/grantors to fund Initiate new project concepts and seek funding Required skills/experience areas include: 20+ years' experience designing ultrasonic devices Experience leading full lifecycle design and development of ultrasonic and acoustic devices Record of transforming innovations into product advancements Highly knowledgeable in the fields of ultrasonic devices, proving feasibility of concepts and turning ideas into product Demonstrate ability to lead research r next-generation ultrasonic surgical devices Design, Prototyping, Failure mode and effects analysis, 3D CAD, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, Finite element analysis (FEA), Multiphysics analysis, Design for composite materials, material science Preferred skills/experience areas include: Finite element analysis Experimental test conduct Acoustics Dimensional tolerance stack-up analysis Underwater acoustic transducer/array design and fabrication techniques Project management An active government security clearance Your working location will be fully remote located in Boulder, Colorado. 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 Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience 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 topossess 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 $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines