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

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 51,000 - 81,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University seeks an Engineering Support Specialist to support research activities in electronic materials processing and semiconductor device fabrication. The role includes preparing samples, characterizing materials, and performing device processing steps in a collaborative lab environment.

Candidates should have an associate degree with relevant experience and hands-on skills in sample preparation. The position offers a salary range of $51,000 – $81,500, with benefits including health coverage and a tuition discount.

Qualifications

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods (cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Background knowledge of materials characterization methods (microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction).
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices (PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal).
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples (cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Characterize materials and devices (microscopy, spectroscopy).
• Perform device processing steps (lithography, etching).
• Configure furnaces/reactors and monitor materials growth processes.
• Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshoot.
• Analyze data and communicate results.

Skills

Sample preparation methods

Materials characterization methods

Laboratory safety practices

Microsoft Office

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate Degree with relevant experience

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Application Instructions

If you are a current Penn State employee (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please use Workday for the internal application. If you are a Penn State student not previously employed, use the Workday student application. External applicants should click Apply.

Position Overview

The Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a motivated Engineering Support Specialist to support research and development activities in electronic materials processing, characterization/testing, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and materials growth/synthesis. EMDD focuses on wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Your Responsibilities

• Prepare samples (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Characterize materials and devices (microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing).
• Perform device processing steps (lithography, etching, deposition).
• Configure furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems.
• Run furnaces/reactors and monitor materials growth/synthesis processes.
• Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshoot.
• Analyze data and communicate results.

Additional Responsibilities for a Higher Level Position

• Perform assembly operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment.
• Provide input to and perform design and layout of standard facility and test equipment.
• Inspect, test, and calibrate parts and equipment.
• Evaluate 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.
• May work as part of a test project support team, including selected task leadership roles.
• May develop and provide documentation for task procedures and process evaluation.

Required Skills and Experience

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Background knowledge of materials characterization methods (microscopy, spectroscopy, x‑ray diffraction).
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices (PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal).
• 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 and 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).

Minimum Education and Experience

Engineering Support Specialist – Advanced Professional: Associate Degree with at least 4 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience). No required certifications.

Engineering Support Specialist – Intermediate Professional: Associate Degree with at least 2 years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience). No required certifications.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies, a U.S. citizenship requirement, and eligibility for a government security clearance (if applicable). A pre‑employment drug screen is also required.

Location

Position is fully on‑site in either State College, PA or Freeport, PA. Remote or hybrid work is not guaranteed.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $51,000 – $81,500 (may be affected by geographic differential).

Benefits include medical, dental, vision coverage; retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families.

EEO Statement

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.