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Pennsylvania State University

Engineering Designer

🇺🇸 Hybrid - University Park, PA 🕑 Full-Time 💰 $46K - $74K 💻 Design 🗓️ March 16th, 2026

Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Engineering Designer for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The role involves supporting the design, analysis, manufacturing, and procurement of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) to aid ARL's research, collaborating with technical staff on electro-mechanical system design, and assisting senior staff in evolving design methods and improving software tools.

Highlights
  • Design and support PCBs using schematic and PCB software, including creating assemblies and bills of materials.
  • Collaborate with technical staff on conceptual design of electro-mechanical systems.
  • Assist in material selection, packaging, tolerance analysis, manufacturing support, and cost projections.
  • Provide design progress updates and participate in design reviews with senior staff.
  • Support senior staff in evolving design methods, templates, and research program development.
  • Develop or evaluate new software tools and processes to enhance design efficiency and reporting.
  • Required skills: Basic knowledge of electronic circuits in analog and digital design, proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe products, success in diverse team collaboration.
  • Preferred skills: Experience with PCB design software (including Altium), electronics industry knowledge from design through manufacturing, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Configuration Management (CM), and familiarity with IPC standards.
  • Education requirements: Associate Degree; 2+ years of relevant experience for intermediate level or no prior experience required for professional level; no certifications required.
  • Salary range: $46,400 to $74,000 with possible geographic differential adjustments; comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents.

Engineering Designer Full Description

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
We are searching for an entry-level Electrical Engineering Designer to join the Mechanical - Electrical Design and Drafting Service Center of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University.  In this role, you will assist in the design, analysis, manufacture, and procurement support of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) in support of ARL's research offices. 
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will: 
  • Support cutting-edge research utilizing PCB software to create schematics, PCBs, assemblies, library parts, bills of materials, and other documentation
  • Collaborate with technical staff on conceptual design of electro-mechanical systems
  • Assist with or facilitate material selection, packaging, tolerance analysis, manufacturing support, and cost projections efforts
  • Provide work status updates and present in design review meetings with senior staff  
  • Assist and support senior technical staff evolving design methods and techniques, including templates, as required for new and evolving research programs
  • Assist and support the development or evaluation of new software tools and work processes to improve department capabilities in design, reporting, and efficiency of operation

Required skills/experience areas include: 
  • Basic working knowledge of electronic circuits and components in analog and digital design
  • Microsoft Office and Adobe products
  • Previous success with collaborations in a diverse multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Preferred experience areas include: 
  • PCB design software, including component creation, schematic layout, and design
  • Altium software
  • Electronics industry knowledge from PCB design through manufacturing
  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Configuration Management (CM)
  • Certification or familiarization with IPC standards

Your working location will be 100% on-site, but options may exist for a hybrid work from office and work from home scenario dependent upon research requirements.  Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
 
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Engineering Designer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Engineering Designer - Professional, this position requires:Associate DegreeNo prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.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 Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
 
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 $46,400.00 - $74,000.00.**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.