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

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 51,000 - 81,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking an Engineering Support Specialist to support R&D efforts in electronic materials processing. This role involves characterizing materials and optimizing processes in a laboratory setting. The ideal candidate will have an Associate Degree and relevant experience, earning an annual salary range of $51,000 to $81,500. This position is on-site in State College, PA.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree plus 2-4 years of relevant experience.
• Hands-on experience preparing samples and using tools.

Responsibilities

• Characterize materials and devices using various techniques.
• Configure and run furnaces/reactors for material processes.
• Analyze data and communicate results to the team.

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

Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

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

Job description

Materials/Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

Note: 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.

POSITION SPECIFICS

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

• 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 operating 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

• 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
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience

• 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.)

Working location

Your working location will be onsite in 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

Engineering Support Specialist - Advanced Professional: Associate Degree plus 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required Certifications: None

Engineering Support Specialist - Intermediate Professional: Associate Degree plus 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 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. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) seeking employment with Penn State: please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Do not apply here; apply internally through Workday.
• NOT a current employee or student: please click "Apply" and complete the external applicant process.

ARL information

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the DoD, and the Intel Community. For more information, visit www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies. Some positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment may require a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary range: $51,000.00 - $81,500.00 (geographic differential may apply).

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children. Details at the Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SAFETY & EEO

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and committed to employment opportunities for 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 due to a disability, contact 814-865-1473. See also Campus Security and other required postings.

ARL and Penn State policies apply. Copyright and safety posters are provided as applicable.