Materials/Electrical Engineering Support Specialist (Located in Freeport, PA)

The Pennsylvania State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 81,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Pennsylvania is seeking an Engineering Support Specialist to support research in materials processing and semiconductor device fabrication. The ideal candidate will perform a range of responsibilities including materials characterization and data analysis. An associate degree and relevant experience are required. This full-time position is on-site in State College or Freeport, offering a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods required.
• Experience using materials characterization tools is preferred.
• Good communication skills essential for teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Characterizing materials and devices using various techniques.
• Configuring and running furnaces/reactors for material synthesis.
• Analyzing data and communicating results effectively.

Skills

Background knowledge of sample preparation methods

Background knowledge of materials characterization methods

Understanding of laboratory safety practices

Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes

Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint

Good communication skills

Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)

Job description

Materials/Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

The Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of an Engineering Support Specialist. This position will directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in the areas of electronic materials processing, characterization/testing, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and/or materials growth/synthesis. 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).

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

You Will:

• Characterizing materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing, etc.)
• Configuring furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Running furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes
• Performing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Analyzing data and communicating results

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

• Perform assembly operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment
• Provide input to and perform design and layout of standard facility and test equipment as directed
• Inspect, test, and calibrate parts and equipment as directed
• Evaluate the selection of materials, and components based on operational and performance specifications
• Assess and identify system faults, and adjust and repair as directed
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field
• May work as part of a test project support team, including selected task leadership roles, in the laboratory, or in the field
• May develop and provide documentation for task procedures and process evaluation

Required skills/experience include:

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing, etc.)
• Background knowledge of materials characterization methods e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, etc.)
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices (e.g., PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.)
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Hands-on experience preparing samples
• Hands-on experience using materials characterization tools
• Hands-on experience using device processing equipment
• Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices
• Experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)

You working location will be fully on-site in either State College, PA or Freeport, PA. 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 Support Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree + 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

If filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree + 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted. Required Certifications: None.

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.

ARL overview

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, visit 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 $51,000.00 - $81,500.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

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, including holidays, vacation and sick time. A 75% tuition discount is available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY & EEO

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.

EEO is the Law information and related notices are available as part of Penn State policies.

ARL contact and resources

For more information about ARL, visit the ARL website.