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- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA
We are searching for an experienced Electrical Engineering Technologist to join our Electrical Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with key areas of focus including wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM).
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
Sample preparation, including machining, cutting, grinding, etc.
Prepare material for processing, manage inventory of materials
Polish substrates/films/materials
Configuring furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
Running furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes
Collect/analyze/distribute relevant data in summaries
Maintain laboratory equipment, troubleshoot as necessary
Input on technical approaches and processing conditions
Ensuring equipment is running in a safe manner
Managing/mentoring other Engineering support staff
Required skills/experience areas include:
Background knowledge of sample preparation and materials characterization
Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, and waste disposal, et
Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Hands-on experience performing crystal and epitaxial growth processes
Basic knowledge of running high temperature synthesis processes
CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)
Hands-on experience performing lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): 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 applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $80,100.00 - $132,204.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
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. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Knowledge of sample preparation and materials characterization
- Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, and waste disposal
- Basic knowledge of vacuum systems and hardware
- Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
- Ability to communicate technical ideas effectively
- Successful collaboration in a multidisciplinary, team-oriented environment
- Hands-on experience with crystal and epitaxial growth processes
- Basic knowledge of high-temperature synthesis processes
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD
- Experience with lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device-processing steps
- Eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
- U.S. citizenship
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
