Engineering Support Specialist

The Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a motivated candidates to fill the role of an Engineering Support Specialist. 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).

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

You Will:

• Preparing samples (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing, etc.)
• Characterizing materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing, etc.)
• Performing device processing steps (e.g., lithography, etching, deposition, etc.)
• Configuring furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Running furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes
• Performing equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Analyzing data and communicating results

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

• Perform assembly operations and fabrication of facility and test equipment
• Provide input to and perform design and layout of standard facility and test equipment as directed
• Inspect, test, and calibrate parts and equipment as directed
• Evaluate the selection of materials, and components based on operational and performance specifications
• Assess and identify system faults, and adjust and repair as directed
• Assist senior technical/engineering staff in gathering, compiling, and archiving test data in the laboratory or in the field
• May work as part of a test project support team, including selected task leadership roles, in the laboratory, or in the field
• May develop and provide documentation for task procedures and process evaluation, 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 web site at ;br> 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.

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods (e.g., cutting, lapping, polishing, etc.)
• Background knowledge of materials characterization methods e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, etc.)
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices (e.g., 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 preparing samples
• Hands-on experience using materials characterization tools
• Hands-on experience using device processing equipment
• Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices
• Experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)

Your working location will be fully on-site in either State College, PA or Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Associate Degree2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,504.00 - $102,900.00.

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.