Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 51,504 - 113,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks an Electrical Engineering Support Specialist to join the EMDD team on-site in State College, PA. The role focuses on electronic materials processing, testing, and device fabrication to advance R&D in WBG semiconductors, sensors, and additive manufacturing.

The position emphasizes sample preparation, polishing, characterization, and safe operation within a modern lab environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with sample prep and materials characterization techniques.
• Laboratory safety practices including PPE, chemical handling and waste disposal.
• Ability to maintain organized, detailed documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials characterization using microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray methods.
• Prepare and polish samples for analyses and device fabrication.
• 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 and safety compliance.
• Provide input on processing conditions and technical approaches.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment and adherence to safety standards.

Skills

Sample preparation

Materials characterization

Laboratory safety

Documentation

MS Office

Education

Associate Degree

6+ years of relevant experience

4+ years of relevant experience

2+ years of relevant experience

Tools

Cleanroom equipment

Microscopy/SEM/EDS

Job description

Position Specifics

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 focus areas 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.

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

Responsibilities

• Conduct materials characterization (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, 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

• 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

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

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) — required for Senior Professional level.

Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience – for Advanced Professional level.

Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience – for Intermediate Professional level.

Required Certifications: None.

Security and Clearance

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 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. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $51,504.00 – $113,100.00.

Benefits: competitive medical, dental, vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities 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 the online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.