Materials Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD), is seeking a Materials Research and Development Engineer to support research and development in electronic materials growth and deposition, device fabrication, materials characterization, electrical testing, and equipment maintenance. The position supports the development of manufacturing processes for next-generation semiconductor materials and devices to improve electrical performance and capabilities. EMDD is a vertically integrated laboratory focused on wide- and ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors, electronic devices, ceramics, and other functional materials. The position is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply. The role involves researching materials growth and deposition methods; operating furnaces and reactors; configuring vacuum-system hardware; maintaining and troubleshooting equipment; characterizing materials and devices; analyzing data; and preparing project summaries and technical reports. The engineer also plans project tasks, provides instructions to staff and students, and collaborates with engineers and research faculty on proposals, budgets, and Statements of Work. For higher-level appointments, the position also conducts and leads research, development, testing, and evaluation for complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions. This may include applying engineering principles and emerging technologies; leading analytical studies, modeling and simulation, experiments, field tests, and prototype demonstrations; developing and evaluating complex systems and technologies; applying systems engineering throughout the project lifecycle; and developing test plans, procedures, data collection methods, and performance metrics. Appointment level may be Advanced Professional, Intermediate Professional, or Professional. All levels require a bachelor’s degree in engineering or science; relevant experience requirements vary by level. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance. Employment also requires successful background checks and participation in ARL’s drug testing program, as well as compliance with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science.
Relevant experience requirements depend on appointment level: no prior relevant work experience is required for Professional; 2+ years for Intermediate Professional; and 5+ years for Advanced Professional.
Knowledge or experience in vacuum systems and hardware.
Knowledge or experience in materials growth and deposition methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, or bulk crystal growth.
Knowledge or experience in materials characterization methods.
Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, and waste disposal.
Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding.
Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment.
Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher is listed among the required skills/experience areas.
U.S. citizenship is required to apply.
Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
Must participate in the ARL drug testing program and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.
Successful completion of background checks is required.

Nice To Haves

Past success growing and depositing materials.
Past success using materials characterization tools.
Experience with microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) equipment.
Experience growing single-crystal or polycrystalline diamond films.
Experience with semiconductor materials and devices.

Responsibilities

Research materials growth and deposition methods.
Operate furnaces and reactors and monitor materials growth and deposition processes.
Configure furnaces, reactors, and hardware for vacuum systems.
Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
Characterize materials and devices using methods such as microscopy, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electrical testing.
Analyze characterization and testing data.
Create project summaries and write technical reports.
Plan project tasks and provide instructions to other staff members and students.
Collaborate with engineers and research faculty to write proposals, develop budgets, and prepare Statements of Work (SOWs).
At higher appointment levels, conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation to address scientific and engineering challenges for Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions.
At higher appointment levels, investigate and apply engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop technical solutions.
At higher appointment levels, plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations.
At higher appointment levels, design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex systems and technologies in assigned technical disciplines.
At higher appointment levels, apply systems engineering principles across the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management.
At higher appointment levels, develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results and recommend design improvements.