Research Engineer (Physics Department)

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

13d

About The Position

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University are seeking to fill a Research Engineer - Intermediate position in the departments’ in-house electronics design facility. The successful candidate will work on a variety of collaborative physics and astrophysics projects under the guidance of the Detector Development Lead and in collaboration with faculty in the two departments. The DDL maintains expertise in detection of photons and particles, using advanced techniques in particle physics and astronomy. The projects will range from satellite- and balloon-based observatories to deep underground experiments, with science goals aimed at high-energy astrophysics, particle astrophysics, and fundamental physics projects. The Research Engineer-Intermediate will assist engineering staff in the Detector Development lab in the development, fabrication, installation and use of custom circuit boards, electronics systems, and/or firmware relevant for these projects. The successful candidate will be a member of a team in the lab which currently includes three staff engineers. Assist with the design and execution of hardware, firmware, and software solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 1+ years of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• using Altium Designer
• HDL programming
• programming microcontrollers
• familiarity with common hardware communication protocols such as i2c and SPI

Responsibilities

• Designs Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)
• Test electronic hardware using tools such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and VNAs
• Installation and deployment of hardware, firmware, and software systems by working at integration facilities.
• Making flight-hardened cable assemblies
• Work with DDL staff and students.
• Communication with faculty at Penn State and researchers around the world on physics and astronomy projects

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees