Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

Penn State University; Benner Township (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s ARL seeks an Electrical Engineering Support Specialist to assist EMDD with materials processing and device fabrication in a cleanroom. You will perform characterization, sample preparation, and electrical testing to support R&D in wide/bandgap semiconductors and related fields.

The role requires an associate degree with 2+ years of relevant experience, and includes safety training, documentation, and collaboration in a fast-paced team. On-site in State College, PA.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent with relevant experience.
• Experience with materials characterization techniques.
• Lab safety practices including PPE and chemical handling.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel/PowerPoint).
• Able to convey ideas clearly and work in a fast-paced team.

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy and XRD.
• Prepare and polish samples for analysis.
• Operate furnaces/reactors and monitor materials growth.
• Perform device fabrication in a cleanroom environment.
• Carry out electrical characterization and device testing.
• Support routine equipment maintenance and safety compliance.
• Provide input on processing conditions and approaches.

Skills

Sample prep

Characterization techniques

Lab safety

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Optical microscopy

SEM

EDS

XRD

AFM

Vacuum systems

Crystal growth

CAD software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

We are searching for an Electrical Engineering Support Specialist for the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with key areas of focus including wide/ultrawide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM). This position will directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in the areas of electronic materials processing, testing/characterization, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and materials growth/synthesis.

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

You will:

• Conduct materials characterization (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction)
• Prepare and polish samples
• Operate furnaces/reactors; monitor materials growth and synthesis processes
• Perform device fabrication in a cleanroom environment
• Carry out electrical characterization and device testing
• Support routine equipment maintenance
• Provide input on technical approaches and processing conditions
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and in compliance with safety standards

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Sample preparation and materials characterization techniques
• Laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.
• Success maintaining organized and detailed documentation
• Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience include:

• OM, SEM, EDS, XRD, AFM, or other materials characterization techniques
• Lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps in a cleanroom environment
• Vacuum systems/hardware and familiarly with high temperature crystal growth equipment
• Semiconductor devices and methods
• Additive manufacturing/3D printing tools
• CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired 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 website 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.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,504.00 - $113,100.00.

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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