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Mechatronics Engineer (Located fully on-site in Keyport, WA)

The Pennsylvania State University
Posted onFeb 19, 2026
LocationKeyport, Washington, United States (On-site)
Employment typeFull-time
Salary$76.7k – $164k Yearly

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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 SPECIFICS

The Applied Research Lab at Pennsylvania State University is seeking a candidate for Mechatronics Research and Development Engineer to design, build, and test electromechanical systems that support Underwater Test Vehicle development, operations, and testing at the ARL Keyport Detachment in Keyport, WA. The position will focus on multidisciplinary, electromechanical design and testing. This position can be filled at multiple levels depending on education and experience.

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

You Will:

  • Design, build, operate, and maintain underwater test vehicles

  • Working with a team of engineers and technicians to creatively evaluate and design solutions to complex technical problems

  • Update, modernize, and maintain existing test and evaluation systems to ensure reliable operation

  • Support field testing of vehicles; working on small boats and ocean-going vessels for vehicle development and in-water test events

Additional Responsibilities for high level position includes:

  • Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems

  • Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs

  • Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes

  • Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof

Required skills and experience include:

  • Candidates must have the ability to go from concept, to models and simulation, to prototype construction. Emphasis of hands-on work and ability to build, install, troubleshoot, modify, and repair electromechanical systems

  • Heavy emphasis on problem solving skills, identifying technical issues that can be addressed for long term success. Ability to provide technical rigor and discipline to problem solving process

  • Effective communication and teamwork skills demonstrated by conveying information and collaborating with others to drive decisions toward action

Preferred skills and experience include:

  • Ability to learn and work across disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software, logistics, etc.) in a small team environment of engineers, technicians, and US Navy personnel

  • Position can be filled by candidate with primary focus in mechanical or electrical engineering within a multidisciplinary environment

    • For mechanical focus, candidates should have experience with design tools such as Siemens NX, Teamcenter, SolidWorks, ANSYS, etc.

    • For electrical focus, candidates should have experience with digital and analog circuit design, schematic creation, PCB layout, microcontroller, FPGA, embedded computing, and/or firmware development

  • Ideal candidates have experience with LabVIEW, MATLAB, Xilinx Vivado, Xilinx Vitis, Microchip MPLAB, Git, CAN, Serial, and/or UDP

  • Master’s degree preferred

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Keyport, WA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of War, and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation.  You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.  Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $76,700.00 - $164,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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 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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn 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 814-865-1473.

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Penn State is a top-ranked public land-grant research university educating nearly 90,000 students across 24 campuses and online, founded in 1855 to expand educational access and drive world-changing research.

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