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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are seeking a motivated Engineering Support Specialist to join our Characterization and Testing Department (CTD) team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University.  You will assist with various research activities throughout the Materials Design and Optimization Division (MDOD).  A wide range of materials and characterization methods are critical to existing and emerging research covering ceramic, metallic, polymeric and hybrid structures under evaluation using mechanical, electrical, corrosion, thermal, microscopy and other unique characterization methods to design and optimize required performances.

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

You will:

• Support and perform daily aspects of hardware fabrication and testing in the MDOD research facility,
• Report test progress to the principal investigators and other engineering personnel,
• Collaborate with principal investigators daily,
• Perform inspections of test articles and document results,
• Work with engineers to plan, design, and assemble new test equipment
• Read and interpret mechanical designs drawings for new test specimens and machine parts,
• Assist with design and construction of new test equipment,
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning test equipment both mechanical and electrical,
• Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, thermocouples, accelerometers, etc.
• Responsible for restocking and procurement of lab supplies
• Assist and support fabrication of complex multiple material components,
• Assist other research personnel with their work as needed in a small research teams
• Train students and staff on proper operation of laboratory equipment,
• Execute and document operating procedures on existing and new hardware,
• Supervise and train interns on equipment operations

This position will be filled as a level 3 or 4 dependent upon the selected candidate's education and experience. Typically requires an Associate’s Degree or higher in a technical program plus four years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 3. Additional education and/or experience required for higher level positions.

Required skills/knowledge include:

• Experienced with engineering drawings, both mechanical and electrical
• Operation of various shop and hand tools, precision measurements, drawing interpretation