Job Information
Pennsylvania State University Part-Time - FWS Undergrad Research Technician - Mechanical Engineering in University Park, Pennsylvania
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/EfiwgKReZ4VAjprFZPKWUm0Bq_sU3KzTmERfpryq0esPKQ) . 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, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. (https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/:b:/s/KnowledgeBaseArticlesSharing/Eeys15Xva4hFokHVtbP1eGIB5i1WFLc-J3k9KHgrFYZ7mg) 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 (https://hr.psu.edu/sites/hr/files/Application_Process_for_External_Applications_Non-Penn_State_Employees_.pdf) .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Undergraduate Research Technician
Are you a Maker? A fixer? A tinkerer? A builder? Talk to us!
The Combustion Research Labs/Cryogenic Combustion Lab/High Pressure Combustion Lab (http://www.hpcl.psu.edu/) in Mechanical Engineering are seeking motivated students with Federal Work Study awards to assist with design/build, upgrade, and maintenance of experimental equipment and instrumentation to support current and upcoming combustion and propulsion research programs.
Anticipated job tasks may include electrical and electronics design & build of control and data acquisition hardware; maintenance and calibration of current-generation and vintage test equipment; programming for experimental control and analysis; mechanical design & fabrication of experimental hardware and test jigs; and assistance with operation and data processing of research program experiments.
On-the-job learning is expected and self-directed opportunities will be provided and encouraged, but current experience and demonstrated skill in at least one of the following fields is required:
Electrical and electronics design, analysis, construction, and maintenance: including PCB design, fabrication, & build; checkout, calibration, & maintenance of electrical and electronic test equipment; AC/DC/RF system design, wiring, & interfacing of mechanical and electronic systems
Programming for experimental control and analysis: LabVIEW and associated data acquisition hardware (National Instruments, Measurement Computing, others), microcontroller (Arduino, etc.), MATLAB/Octave, Python, etc.
Mechanical design, analysis, and fabrication: hand tools, standard machine shop equipment, additive manufacturing; maintenance and repair of experimental equipment (mechanisms, high pressure vessels, piping/tubing, pressure and vacuum pumps, etc.)
Knowledge of, and experience with, relevant specialized scientific instruments and techniques: lasers, optics, high-speed video and imaging, thermal/material/strength analyses, etc.
PC integration and troubleshooting; standard business PC hardware, Windows 7 & 10, and application software installation and maintenance
Familiarity with free and open-source tools is highly desirable
Emphasis will be placed on leveraging existing extensive resources and knowledge within the research group and facilities to support ongoing research programs and enhance lab capabilities. An electronics workstation, FDM printer (Ender 5 Pro), and basic machine shop are available and located on site.
In addition to a resume, applicants must include a one-page statement of interest, including description of relevant background, coursework, and experiences, with your application – this statement will be weighted in selecting candidates.
Students in any major with relevant skills & experience will be considered, but due to security restrictions must be a US Person (permanent resident) or US Citizen, and able to pass a background check required for facility access.
Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job position is available.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.
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 (https://police.psu.edu/annual-security-reports) .
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn 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.
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University Park, PA