Acoustics and Vibrations Research and Development Engineer (Staff)

We are searching for a Research and Development Engineer to join our Acoustics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL/Penn State’s purpose is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of the Navy, DoD, and Intel communities engineering and technology needs. In this position, you will support and conduct basic and applied research in various acoustic areas such as: flow-induced vibration, structural acoustics, dynamic characterization of structures and materials, fatigue analysis and testing, and advanced data analysis.

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

You will:

• Perform modeling and measurement research in the area of vibrations and acoustics for a wide range of possible applications, including marine vehicles, air vehicles, and renewable and non-renewable energy production
• Prepare for and conduct experiments at ARL and various off-site government testing facilities using advanced instrumentation
• Identify and perform appropriate numerical and analytical modeling

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions include:

• Write and submit proposals for funded research
• Cultivate relationships with existing and potential government and industry sponsors
• Collaborate with other research and academic faculty at Penn State
• Document research activities in technical reports and peer reviewed publications

This job will be filled at multiple levels depending upon the successful candidate's education and experience. Minimally requires a Bachelor's degree in an engineering or science related discipline plus two years of related experience for an Intermediate Professional. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher level positions. Master's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineer, or Acoustics preferred.

Required skills and experience include:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment, and meet project schedule requirements is required
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems and data acquisition system development
• Proficiency in programming within the MATLAB environment or in a compiled language such as C/C

Experience in one of the technical areas listed below:

• Experimental acoustics and vibration measurements: including experimental design, data acquisition, and signal analysis
• Computational acoustics methods such as finite element, boundary element analysis or other computational methods development
• Flow excitation mechanisms such as gust response and turbulent boundary layer excitation
• Development and characterization of acoustic materials

Preferred skills and experience include:

• Familiarity with government research programs and the proposal submission process
• Experience writing white papers
• Technical leadership experience

Your working location will be on-site, located in State College. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.