Research Engineer - Advanced (Physics Department)

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX, PA); On-site; USD 86,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Research Engineer - Advanced for its Physics Department. The successful candidate will lead projects in electronics design, supporting faculty in the development of hardware and software solutions for physics and astrophysics research. This role includes managing lab operations and collaborating with faculty and researchers globally.

Benefits

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off including holidays and vacation

Qualifications

• 3+ years of relevant experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering staff in the development and use of custom circuit boards.
• Support faculty to define project requirements and execute solutions.
• Design Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
• Test electronic hardware using tools such as digital multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Manage DDL staff and lab operations.

Skills

Altium Designer

HDL programming

Microcontroller programming

Hardware communication protocols

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

Research Engineer - Advanced (Physics Department)

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
• If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

This position is funded for 12 months; continuation past 12 months will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University are seeking to fill a Research Engineer - Advanced position in the departments' in-house electronics design facility. The successful candidate will work on a variety of collaborative physics and astrophysics projects under the guidance of the Detector Development Lead and in collaboration with faculty in the two departments. The DDL maintains expertise in detection of photons and particles, using advanced techniques in particle physics and astronomy. The projects will range from satellite- and balloon-based observatories to deep underground experiments, with science goals aimed at high-energy astrophysics, particle astrophysics, and fundamental physics projects.

The Research Engineer-Advanced will lead engineering staff in the Detector Development lab in the development, fabrication, installation and use of custom circuit boards, electronics systems, and/or firmware relevant for these projects. The successful candidate will oversee the operations of the lab which currently includes three staff engineers. Some responsibilities include:

- Support faculty to define project requirements, design, and execute hardware, firmware, and software solutions.

- Design Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

- Test electronic hardware using tools such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and VNAs

- Installation and deployment of hardware, firmware, and software systems by working at integration facilities.

- Management of DDL staff and lab and students working within the lab.

- Communication with faculty at Penn State and researchers around the world on physics and astronomy projects

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred (but not mandatory) skills include using Altium Designer, HDL programming, programming microcontrollers, and familiarity with common hardware communication protocols such as i2c and SPI.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 3+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter and resume. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to [e-mail], indicating the job number and position title in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00.

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. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging in all its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports both broad and specific equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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