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

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University in State College, PA is seeking an Engineering Support Specialist to support R&D efforts in electronic materials processing, characterization, and device fabrication. The role is on-site at ARL and welcomes transitioning military members as ARL is a DoD SkillBridge partner.

Responsibilities include sample preparation, materials and device characterization, various device processing steps, vacuum system setup, furnace operation, equipment

Qualifications

• Background in sample preparation methods (cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Knowledge of materials characterization methods (microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction).
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices and PPE.
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes; strong documentation habits.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint).
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples (cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Characterize materials and devices (microscopy, spectroscopy, XRD, electrical testing).
• Perform device processing steps (lithography, etching, deposition).
• Configure furnaces/reactors and vacuum hardware.
• Run furnaces/reactors and monitor growth/synthesis processes.
• Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Analyze data and communicate results.

Skills

Sample prep

Materials characterization

Lab safety

Documentation

MS Office

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

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 a motivated candidates 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:

• Preparing samples (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing, etc.)
• Characterizing materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing, etc.)
• Performing device processing steps (e.g., lithography, etching, deposition, 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.)

Your 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 Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - 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 Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required 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 web site 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 - $102,900.00.

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.