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Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

A Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering ... For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.) CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Electrochemical Engine Center (ECEC) in the field of large ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in the Electrochemical Engine Center (ECEC) in the field of ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction of Dr. Derek Hall Job duties include: * Conduct ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar under the direction of Dr. Jacqueline O'Connor. Job Duties:

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How much do mechanical engineering postdoctoral jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering postdoctoral in the United States is $85,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral position, and why are they important?

A Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral position typically requires a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering or a related field, strong analytical abilities, and expertise in experimental and/or computational methods. Experience with technical tools such as CAD software, finite element analysis (FEA), MATLAB, and sometimes relevant safety or research certifications is often expected. Strong communication, problem-solving, and project management skills enable effective collaboration and dissemination of research findings. These competencies are essential for advancing complex projects, contributing to academic publications, and working successfully within multidisciplinary teams.

What are some typical research responsibilities and collaborative expectations for a Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral researcher?

As a Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral researcher, you will typically be involved in developing and executing experimental protocols, analyzing research data, and publishing results in scientific journals. Collaboration is a key part of the role; you’ll often work closely with faculty advisors, graduate and undergraduate students, and sometimes industry partners on research projects. You may also be expected to contribute to grant writing, mentor students, and present findings at conferences. This environment provides significant opportunities for professional growth and networking within academic and industry circles.

What is a Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral job?

A Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral job is a research-focused position for Ph.D. graduates looking to advance their expertise in mechanical engineering. Postdocs work on advanced research projects, publish papers, and collaborate with faculty, industry, or government organizations. They may also mentor students and contribute to grant proposals. The role is typically temporary, lasting from one to three years, and helps researchers gain experience before pursuing academic, industry, or government roles.

More about Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs? Cities with the most Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs are:
What states have the most Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs are:
Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Postdoctoral job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,959 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

Postdoctoral Scholar - Mechanical Engineering

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 552 rated colleges and universities

Job description

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.
This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the term length discussed will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.
POSITION SPECIFICS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar in Battery Mechanics, Physics-Based AI, and Energy Storage Manufacturingunder the direction of Dr. Jun Xu.
The postdoctoral researcher will work on fundamental and applied research at the intersection of battery mechanics, electrochemical-mechanical-thermal modeling, physics-based artificial intelligence, advanced battery manufacturing, battery prognostics, and battery recycling. The successful candidate is expected to develop rigorous modeling, computational, and/or experimental approaches to understand the coupled behaviors of next-generation energy storage systems and to translate fundamental insights into high-impact publications, proposals, and collaborative research outcomes.
Research Areas:
The position will focus on one or more of the following areas:
  • Physics-based AI for battery manufacturing and mobility
  • Fundamental electrochemo-mechanical modeling of next-generation batteries
  • Degradation, failure, and safety and sustainability of lithium-ion, lithium-metal, sodium-ion, and solid-state batteries

Job Duties:
  • Conduct independent and collaborative research under the supervision of Dr. Jun Xu
  • Develop high-quality models, algorithms, experiments, or integrated modeling-characterization frameworks
  • Publish first-author papers in leading peer-reviewed journals
  • Contribute to research proposals, project reports, and presentations
  • Mentor graduate and undergraduate students in the research group
  • Collaborate with academic, national laboratory, and industrial partners
  • Maintain high standards of research rigor, reproducibility, and professional integrity

Qualifications and Requirements:
  • A Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Solid Mechanics, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Applied Physics, Energy Science, or a closely related field by the start date
  • Strong research background in at least one of the following areas: battery modeling, solid mechanics, multiphysics simulation, machine learning, battery manufacturing, electrochemical systems, materials characterization, or computational mechanics
  • A strong publication record, preferably including at least three first-author or co-first-author papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong self-motivation, independence, responsibility, and commitment to academic research

Interested applicants should send the following materials as a single PDF file:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Brief research statement describing prior research experience and future research interests
  • Representative publications
  • Contact information for three references
  • Expected start date

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
BENEFITS
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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.
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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