Materials​/Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

Position Overview

The Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of an Engineering Support Specialist. This position will directly support research and development efforts in electronic materials processing, characterization/testing, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and/or materials growth/synthesis. EMDD focuses on wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing.

• Preparing samples (cutting, lapping, polishing, etc.)
• Characterizing materials and devices (microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, electrical testing, etc.)
• Performing device processing steps (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

• 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

• Background knowledge of sample preparation methods (cutting, lapping, polishing, etc.)
• Background knowledge of materials characterization methods (microscopy, spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, etc.)
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices (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

• 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 (Solid Works, 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

Engineering Support Specialist – Advanced Professional:
Associate Degree, 4+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination). No required certifications.

Engineering Support Specialist – Intermediate Professional:
Associate Degree, 2+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination). No required certifications.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of a background check and a pre‑employment drug screen. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and may need to obtain a government security clearance, depending on the position.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $51,000.00 to $81,500.00, with possible geographic differential. Benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

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.