Part-Time Engineering Technologist

Dormont Manufacturing Co; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Dormont Manufacturing Co is seeking a Part-Time Engineering Technologist to join the Electronic Materials and Devices Department. In this role, you'll be involved in R&D efforts related to electronic materials, semiconductor devices, and various characterization/testing methods.

The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field, with responsibilities including sample preparation, materials characterization, and data analysis. Solid communication skills and a good understanding of laboratory practices are essential.

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates eager to support innovative research at Penn State's University Park campus.

Qualifications

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods.
• Knowledge of materials characterization methods.
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE.
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for testing.
• Perform Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP).
• Analyze data and report results.
• Research new characterization methods.

Skills

Background knowledge of sample preparation methods

Knowledge of materials characterization methods

Understanding of laboratory safety practices

Experience using Microsoft Office

Good communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in engineering, science, or technology

Tools

Materials characterization tools

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

Job description

Job Description and Position Requirements

We are seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of a Part‑Time Engineering Technologist to join the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. 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).

You will:

• Prepare samples
• Perform Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP)
• Perform Materials characterization, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction
• Perform Electrical characterization and device testing
• Analyze data and report results
• Research new sample preparation and characterization methods
• Configure furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Run furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes

Minimally requires a Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering, science, or technology program and no minimum work experience. The selected candidate will primarily work at EMDD’s Laboratory and the Millennium Science Complex (MSC) at Penn State’s University Park campus.

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.

Required skills/experience include:

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods
• Knowledge of materials characterization methods
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including 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 using materials characterization tools
• Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices
• Experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)

Candidates selected will be subject to a government security investigation and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

University Park, PA