Materials/Electrical Engineering Support Specialist (Located in Freeport, PA)

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. 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. POSITION SPECIFICS 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 Required skills/experience include: 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 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 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 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. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. SALARY & BENEFITS 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. 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.