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The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · 11 hours ago

Mechanical Engineering Support Specialist

Freeport, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$56K/yr - $90K/yr

4+ years exp

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Support Specialist to join their Undersea Materials Technology Prototyping Department. The role involves setting up and operating CNC grinding machines, designing custom fixtures, and collaborating with research teams to develop advanced ceramic materials.

Universities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Set up and Operate CNC grinding machines to achieve high-precision finishes on small quantities of ceramic prototype components

Design and fabricate custom fixtures to support complex machining tasks, ensuring optimal stability and accuracy during the grinding process

Ability to locate sources of supply for advanced tooling and work with tooling vendors to procure

Tackle challenging ceramic and hard material grinding tasks by developing and implementing innovative machining strategies and solutions

Work collaboratively with research teams to understand project requirements and provide machining expertise

Conduct inspections and tests to ensure that machined components meet specified tolerances and quality standards

Maintain accurate records of machining processes, materials used, and outcomes to support research documentation and compliance

Develop and de-bug tool pathing using MasterCAM or similar software

Provide tooling vendors with suggested modifications of tool design and configuration to achieve advanced machining outcomes

Interact closely with machine vendors to troubleshoot malfunctions and to overcome machine limitations

Use advanced characterization tools to evaluate surface roughness and dimensional discrepancies on machined parts

Provide written reports for inclusion in higher level project reports

Qualification

CNC grindingCeramic machiningTool pathingMasterCAMCustom fixturingAdvanced CNC techniquesWork ethicCommunication skillsCreative attitude

Required

4+ years of experience in precision CNC of ceramics

Fabricate solutions for complex machining tasks, including custom fixturing and tooling

CNC-related topics such as CNC programming, GD&T, work holding, tool selection, inspection, unit conversion, and CNC machine maintenance, safety & best practices

Strong work ethic, communication skills, and creative, can-do attitude

Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (if filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Senior Professional)

Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted (if filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Advanced Professional)

Ability to obtain a government security clearance

Must be a U.S. citizen to apply

Successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen

Preferred

Advanced CNC techniques: five-axis machining, additive/subtractive hybrid CNC, strong CAD/CAM proficiency

Piezoelectric, optical, electronic, carbide and/or refractory materials

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