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

Penn State University•Freeport, PA

48d•$51,504 - $102,900•Onsite

About The Position

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 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). ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

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 PowerPoint
Good communication skills
Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment
Associate Degree
4+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Advanced Professional)
2+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Technical Engineering Specialist, Electrical (ARL) - Intermediate Professional)
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance
Must be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

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., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)

Responsibilities

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