Part-Time Engineering Technologist

Job Description and Position Requirements

We are seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of a Part‑Time Engineering Technologist to join the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. 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).

You will:

• Prepare samples
• Perform Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP)
• Perform Materials characterization, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction
• Perform Electrical characterization and device testing
• Analyze data and report results
• Research new sample preparation and characterization methods
• Configure furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Run furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes

Minimally requires a Bachelor’s Degree in an engineering, science, or technology program and no minimum work experience. The selected candidate will primarily work at EMDD’s Laboratory and the Millennium Science Complex (MSC) at Penn State’s University Park campus.

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.

Required skills/experience include:

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods
• Knowledge of materials characterization methods
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and Power Point
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to work in a fast‑paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Hands‑on experience using materials characterization tools
• Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
• Basic knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices
• Experience using CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD, etc.)

Candidates selected will be subject to a government security investigation and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

University Park, PA