Demo

Engineering Designer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
University Park, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/3/2026
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, please login to Workday to complete the student 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.

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 Certifications

If filled as Engineering Designer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Designer - Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree No 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/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 $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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

Salary : $46,400 - $74,000

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Engineering Designer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Engineering Designer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$108,186 - $133,193
Income Estimation: 
$134,236 - $174,128
Income Estimation: 
$132,162 - $161,329
Income Estimation: 
$79,917 - $101,594
Income Estimation: 
$97,688 - $130,047
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University

  • The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 10 Days Ago

  • The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University University Park, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 10 Days Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Engineering Designer jobs in the University Park, PA area that may be a better fit.

  • PennTerra Engineering, Inc State College, PA
  • Job Description Description: The position requires the ability to work with our engineers to lay out and design residential and commercial land development... more
  • 15 Days Ago

  • Penn State State College, PA
  • APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal app... more
  • 1 Day Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!