Research & Development Engineer
Penn State UniversityAbout the role
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
We are searching for a Fluids Machinery Engineer to join our Fluids Machinery Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. The Department is part of the Fluid Dynamics Division within the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office, which has a long, successful history of providing innovative solutions and technology for a range of U.S. Government and Industry sponsors. In this position, you will support the design, experimental fluids testing, and analysis of marine vehicle propulsion, hydrodynamic vehicle control systems, and related applications such as turbomachinery, renewable energy production, and rotorcraft aerodynamics. Propulsion systems rely on a detailed understanding of turbomachinery flow physics. Hydrodynamic vehicle control systems rely on a detailed understanding of fluid generated forces (lift and drag) from various parts of a vehicle and how they interact. Experimental fluids testing involves observation and measurement of forces and flow interacting with a test article. This position can be filled as either a non-tenure Research Faculty or a Research and Development Engineer.
You will:
Contribute to the design, assembly, and operation of complex test articles and experiments at ARL water tunnel facilities, government test facilities, and field sites
Perform hands-on work in the preparation and execution of fluid dynamic experiments
Act as part of a team to acquire, analyze, and present technical results
Interact collaboratively with other engineers, researchers, and academic faculty
Additional responsibilities for a higher level positions includes:
Perform design and analysis of turbomachinery applications such as pumps, propellers, turbines, compressors, etc. and corresponding blade and stage level phenomena
Perform design and analysis of vehicle control concepts, flight dynamics, and external aero/hydrodynamics
Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope; make substantial contributions to determining feasibility of project goals and objectives
Collaboratively develop, write, and submit proposals for funded research
Author/co-author reports, presentations, and papers and present to technical employees
Maintain existing and cultivate new external research relationships
This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending on your education and experience. Minimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline; 2+ years related experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher level positions.
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