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Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICSThe College of Engineering (CoE) Architectural Engineer provides engineering expertise to support multidisciplinary research, instruction, and laboratory operations; collaborates with faculty, researchers, staff, and students to develop and execute experimental research, design and implement specialized engineering systems and laboratory technologies, and provide technical leadership throughout the research lifecycle; manages shared laboratory facilities, research infrastructure, equipment, and safety programs while supporting sponsored research, instructional activities, and initiatives that advance the teaching, research, and service mission.
- Independently design, develop, integrate, and implement research activities by applying advanced engineering principles to the conceptual design, fabrication, installation, and operation of research hardware, structural testing, additive manufacturing technologies, mechanical and electrical components, and software tools in support of engineering research projects.
- Manage laboratory operations by overseeing facility utilization, laboratory organization, equipment maintenance, safety and hazard assessments, and compliance with applicable laboratory policies and procedures to ensure a safe, reliable, and efficient research environment. Develop and maintain the laboratory operations budget and execute facilities utilization billing based on the updated utilization rate.
- Coordinate research scheduling and collaborate with principal investigators, project leadership, researchers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to plan, organize, and execute successful research projects while ensuring efficient resource utilization, project quality, and timely completion.
- Develop and execute engineering test plans, procedures, and validation activities; analyze and document results; troubleshoot system performance; and recommend design improvements or corrective actions based on technical findings.
- Develop, modify, and utilize specialized engineering tools, computer-aided design (CAD) software, modeling software, instrumentation, automation, additive manufacturing technologies, and software applications to support the design, analysis, testing, and evaluation of engineering research practices.
- Provide external research support by collaborating with internal and external research partners, evaluating technical needs, recommending engineering solutions, and supporting the successful execution of sponsored research activities.
- Provide technical leadership by mentoring engineering support staff and less experienced graduate students, reviewing technical work for quality and accuracy, preparing technical documentation and reports, and maintaining expertise in emerging engineering methods, technologies, standards, and best practices.
The CoE Architectural Engineer's primary duty will be the successful implementation of multidisciplinary, externally-funded research within the Aramco High Bay Structural Testing Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility that provides world-class capabilities for testing a wide range of structures-including civil infrastructure, buildings, and aerospace components-at scales ranging from benchtop models to full-size systems. Included in the are the following equipment and capabilities:
- Strong wall & strong floor: L-shaped configuration: 60 ft long x 26 ft wide x 32 ft tall' Designed for 225 kip point loads with less than 3/8" deflection
- Hydraulic & loading systems: 180 GPM, 3,000 psi hydraulic power suppl; Six servohydraulic actuators with capacities from 55 kip (16 in stroke) to 225 kip (24 in stroke)
- Control & data systems: High-speed, 8-station digital servohydraulic controller; Advanced networked data acquisition system with 116 input channels and integrated signal conditioning; Wide range of structural sensors (displacement, strain, and force)
- Material handling & access equipment: Two 20-ton capacity overhead bridge cranes; Two forklifts (4,000 and 10,000 lb capacity); Two scissor lifts (maximum platform heights 26 and 40 ft)
- Universal testing machines: Three servohydraulic machines for monotonic and fatigue testing:110 kip UTM can be equipped with a furnace for fire testing; 22 kip UTM for general compression and bending testing; 22 kip UTM with environmental chamber and hydraulic grips; 330 kip compression-only machine for concrete cylinders and mortar cubes
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSBachelor's Degree3+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None
Preferred Qualifications:The ideal candidate will have experience with general structural engineering and mechanical testing, including MTS servohydraulic test systems, fixture design, CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor), drawing standards, steel design and weld detailing, component sizing, working design knowledge of fabrication methods and processes, and basic application of commercial finite element modeling to estimate structural performance. The ideal candidate will also have exposure to, and knowledge of, sensors (displacement, force, and strain) and data acquisition systems (Dewesoft and National Instruments). Finally, the candidate must be able to balance multiple projects simultaneously, work with constituents diverse in both background and experience, and be able to prioritize and self-direct a variable workload.
Additional CoE multidisciplinary research labs (i.e. Advanced Manufacturing in 106 Leonhard) could be considered based on the successful applicant's background and expertise and job function availability. This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESThis position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver's license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $91,488.00 - $137,280.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICSPursuant 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.
EEO IS THE LAWPenn State is an equal opportunity 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 .
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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