Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

We are searching for an Electrical Engineering Support Specialist for the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. 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). This position will directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in the areas of electronic materials processing, testing/characterization, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and materials growth/synthesis.

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

You will:

• Conduct materials characterization (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction)
• Prepare and polish samples
• Operate furnaces/reactors; monitor materials growth and synthesis processes
• Perform device fabrication in a cleanroom environment
• Carry out electrical characterization and device testing
• Support routine equipment maintenance
• Provide input on technical approaches and processing conditions
• Ensure equipment is operated safely and in compliance with safety standards

• Sample preparation and materials characterization techniques
• Laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.
• Success maintaining organized and detailed documentation
• Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience include:

• OM, SEM, EDS, XRD, AFM, or other materials characterization techniques
• Lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps in a cleanroom environment
• Vacuum systems/hardware and familiarly with high temperature crystal growth equipment
• Semiconductor devices and methods
• Additive manufacturing/3D printing tools
• CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

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

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None, 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.

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,504.00 - $113,100.00.

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.