Electrical Engineering Technologist

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks an experienced Electrical Engineering Technologist to support EMDD research in electronic materials processing, testing, and device fabrication at State College, PA. The role involves hands-on lab work and collaboration across disciplines.

The position requires sample preparation, polishing, vacuum-system operation, data analysis, and mentoring engineering staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• Background in sample preparation and materials characterization.
• Familiarity with lab safety, PPE, chemical handling, and waste disposal.
• Ability to document experiments with clear, organized notes.

Responsibilities

• Sample preparation including machining, cutting, grinding.
• Prepare materials for processing and manage inventory.
• Polish substrates/films/materials.
• Configure furnaces/reactors and vacuum hardware.
• Run furnaces/reactors and monitor growth/synthesis processes.
• Collect, analyze and summarize data.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and troubleshoot as needed.
• Contribute ideas on technical approaches and processing conditions.
• Ensure equipment safety and mentor other engineering staff.

Skills

Sample prep

Lab safety

Vacuum systems

Note taking

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CAD software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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

We are searching for an experienced Electrical Engineering Technologist to join our Electrical Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with key areas of focus including wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM).

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

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 .

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.

You Will:

• Sample preparation, including machining, cutting, grinding, etc.
• Prepare material for processing, manage inventory of materials
• Polish substrates/films/materials
• Configuring furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Running furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes
• Collect/analyze/distribute relevant data in summaries
• Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot as necessary
• Input on technical approaches and processing conditions
• Ensuring equipment is running in a safe manner
• Managing/mentoring other Engineering support staff

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Background knowledge of sample preparation and materials characterization
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, and waste disposal, et
• Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Hands-on experience performing crystal and epitaxial growth processes
• Basic knowledge of running high temperature synthesis processes
• CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Hands-on experience performing lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps
• 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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree
3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required Certifications: None

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 $80,100.00 - $132,204.00.
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 t