Electrical Engineering Support Specialist

Position Specifics

We are searching for an Electrical 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 focus areas 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 Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.

• Conduct materials characterization (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, 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, etc.
• Lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps in a cleanroom
• Vacuum systems/hardware and familiarity with high‑temperature crystal growth equipment
• Semiconductor devices and methods
• Additive manufacturing/3D printing tools
• CAD software (Solid Works, AutoCAD, etc.)
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at Secret level or higher and may be subject to a background investigation for clearance upgrade

Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience) — required for Senior Professional level.

Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience – for Advanced Professional level.

Associate Degree 2+ years of relevant experience – for Intermediate Professional level.

Required

Certifications:

None.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary range: $51,504.00 – $.

Benefits: competitive medical, dental, vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time); 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses/children.

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities 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 the online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.