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
We are searching for an 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
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
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.)
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Engineering Support Specialist - 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 Engineering Support Specialist - 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 Engineering Support Specialist - 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 website at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $89,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
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.