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

Materials/Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

United States, Pennsylvania, University Park

Note: 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.

The Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking motivated candidates to fill the role of an Engineering Support Specialist. This position will directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in electronic materials processing, characterization/testing, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and/or materials growth/synthesis. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with focus areas including wide/ultrawide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM).

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

• Characterizing materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing, 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 include:

• 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 operating 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

• 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 Power Point
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

• 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., Solid Works, AutoCAD, etc.)

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

Engineering Support Specialist
- Advanced Professional:
Associate Degree plus 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required

Certifications:

None

Engineering Support Specialist
- Intermediate Professional:
Associate Degree plus 2+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Required

Certifications:

None

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