R&D Materials & Device Engineering Support

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 51,504 - 102,900; Full time

Job summary

The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) EMDD is seeking a motivated candidate for an Engineering Support Specialist role to support R&D in electronic materials processing, characterization, and device fabrication. On-site work in PA, with duties spanning sample prep, materials analysis, and equipment operation.

Ideal candidates bring experience with sample prep, materials characterization, lab safety, and proficiency in MS Office; strong communication and teamwork are essential as is

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

• Preparing samples (cutting, lapping, polishing).
• Characterizing materials and devices (microscopy, spectroscopy, XRD, electrical testing).
• Performing device processing steps (lithography, etching, deposition).
• Configuring furnaces/reactors and vacuum hardware.
• Running furnaces/reactors and monitoring growth/synthesis processes.
• Performing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Analyzing data and communicating results.
• Perform assembly operations and fabrication of facility/test equipment.
• Provide input to design and layout of standard facility/test equipment.
• Inspect, test, and calibrate parts and equipment.
• Evaluate material and components based on specs.
• Assess and identify system faults and repair as directed.
• Assist senior staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data.
• May work on test project support teams and lead tasks.
• May develop documentation for task procedures and process evaluation.

Skills

Sample preparation

Materials characterization

Laboratory safety

Note taking

MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint)

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree

4+ years relevant experience

Tools

CAD software

Vacuum systems

Device processing equipment

Job description

The Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) EMDD is seeking a motivated candidate for an Engineering Support Specialist role to support R&D in electronic materials processing, characterization, and device fabrication. On-site work in PA, with duties spanning sample prep, materials analysis, and equipment operation.

Ideal candidates bring experience with sample prep, materials characterization, lab safety, and proficiency in MS Office; strong communication and teamwork are essential as is