Mechanical Engineering Support Specialist

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.

• 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

• 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 Power Point
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

• 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 familiar with high temperature crystal growth equipment
• Semiconductor devices and methods
• Additive manufacturing/3D printing tools
• CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD, etc.)

Working location: fully on-site, located in State College, PA.

Senior Professional:
Associate Degree; 6+ years of relevant experience or equivalent.

Advanced Professional:
Associate Degree; 4+ years of relevant experience or equivalent.

Intermediate Professional:
Associate Degree; 2+ years of relevant experience or equivalent.

Required

Certifications:

None.

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.

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.

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.

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 .