Materials Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,485 - 200,808; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA seeks a Materials Research and Development Engineer to advance R&D in electronic materials growth, device fabrication, and materials characterization. The role supports manufacturing process development for next-generation semiconductor materials and devices, with DoD partnerships.

You will operate furnaces/reactors, analyze data, write technical reports, and collaborate with engineers and faculty on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science; 5+ years relevant experience.
• Experience with vacuum systems and materials growth/deposition methods.
• Knowledge of materials characterization techniques and lab safety.

Responsibilities

• Research materials growth and deposition methods.
• Operate furnaces and reactors; monitor processes.
• Configure vacuum systems and hardware; perform maintenance.
• Characterize materials and devices using microscopy, spectroscopy and XRD.
• Collaborate to write proposals, develop budgets and SOWs.

Skills

Vacuum systems/hardware

Materials growth/deposition

Materials characterization

Laboratory safety

Data analysis

Technical reporting

Proposal collaboration

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

MPCVD equipment

X-ray diffraction

Spectroscopy

Vacuum hardware

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

We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to join our Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in the areas of electronic materials growth/deposition, device fabrication, materials characterization, electrical testing, and equipment maintenance/upkeep. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with key areas of focus including wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, electronic devices, ceramics, and other functional materials. This role will directly support the development of manufacturing processes for next-generation semiconductor materials and devices to enable improved electrical performance and capabilities.

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

You will:

• Research materials growth and deposition methods
• Run furnaces and reactors and monitor materials growth and deposition processes
• Configure furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Characterize materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrical testing, etc.)
• Analyze characterization and testing data
• Create project summaries and write technical reports
• Plan project tasks and provide instructions to other staff members and students
• Collaborate with engineers and research faculty to write proposals, develop budgets, and prepare Statements of Work (SOWs)

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions
• Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
• Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
• Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission-critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management
• Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvements

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Vacuum systems/hardware
• Materials growth/deposition methods (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, bulk crystal growth, etc.)
• Materials characterization methods
• Laboratory safety practices (e.g., PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.)
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Past success growing and depositing materials
• Past success using materials characterization tools
• Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) equipment
• Growing single crystal or polycrystalline diamond films
• Semiconductor materials and devices

Your working location can/will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or ScienceNo prior relevant work experience requiredRequired 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 website 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 $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.

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.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

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.