Materials Science Research Engineer for Extreme Environments

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, pleaselogin to Workday to complete thestudent 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.JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:The Applied Research Laboratory (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. We are looking for a high energy, highly skilled leader in material science or engineering to join us and lead initiatives in materials and structures for extreme environments.  Reporting to the head of the Materials and Manufacturing Office (MMO), you will be responsible for developing and executing strategy and programs in hypersonic materials and related systems. This opportunity may be filled as a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.You will:Serve as a technical and programmatic liaison to engineers and scientists in MMO who are leaders in related fields such as additive and advanced manufacturing, refractory materials, optical materials, thermal barrier coatings, functionally graded materials, advanced design, analysis and topology optimization, and testing and characterizationCollaborate with Penn State academic faculty and students from Materials Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Engineering Science, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as researchers from Penn State’s Materials Research InstituteBuild and execute a technology engagement roadmap that leverages the deep strengths of ARL and Penn State researchers and facilities, while addressing the current and emerging needs of Government sponsors in the hypersonic communityUsing a systems engineering approach, create a vision and strategy for addressing hypersonic technology challenges such as thermal management, computing and communications in extreme environments, reliability, and affordabilityBuild multi-disciplinary teams to address these problems, lead proposal development, and manage the execution of programs; from concept exploration, though modeling, design, prototype fabrication, and testingMinimum requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or engineering discipline plus 14 years of related experience for the senior professional level.  Additional experience and/or education are required for higher level positions.  A Master’s or Ph.D. is preferred.Requirements include:An understanding of the materials and structures challenges imposed by hypersonic and other extreme environments, and the ability to lead teams developing innovative material and system solutions to these challengesDemonstrated experience in interdisciplinary program developmentDeep experience with sponsoring offices, emerging platforms, research organizations, and industrial partnersCurrent eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibilityPreferred skills:Active TS/SCI clearanceThe primary location for this position will be on-site in State College, PA; however, consideration will be made for candidates that prefer a remote position, with preference to those in the Washington, DC Capital Region.  ARL maintains a facility in Reston, VA; this is available as an on-site work location.  This location can also be utilized to host sponsor meetings, support research, and sponsor/collaborator communications across a range of classification levels. Review of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until a qualified applicant is hired.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 must be a U.S. Citizen to apply. You will be subject to government security investigations. Due to the financial or fiduciary responsibilities of this position, successful completion of a credit history check will also be required, in addition to standard background checks. 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 The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:$123,200.00 - $219,600.00Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 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.Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. EEO IS THE LAWPenn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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 PosterPA State Labor Law PosterAffirmative ActionPenn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlinesUniversity Park, PASummaryLocation: Penn State University Park; Reston, VAType: Full time