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

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) within Penn State ARL seeks an Engineering Support Specialist to assist in R&D on electronic materials processing, characterization, and device fabrication. Work includes polishing, equipment operation, data analysis, and on-site collaboration with a fast-paced team in State College, PA.

Responsibilities span sample prep, materials characterization, lithography, deposition, and furnace operations, with opportunity for higher duties and

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Preparing samples (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing)
• Characterizing materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing)
• Performing device processing steps (e.g., lithography, etching, deposition)
• 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
• May perform assembly operations and fabrication of facility/test equipment
• Assist senior staff with data collection and documentation

Skills

Sample preparation

Materials characterization

Laboratory safety

Note taking

Microsoft Office

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate Degree

Tools

CAD software

Job description

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.)

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 acceptedRequired Certifications: None

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

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.