Materials Research and Development Engineer

We are searching for a motivated Materials Research and Development Engineer to join our Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role will support research and development (R&D) efforts in electronic materials growth/deposition, device fabrication, materials characterization, electrical testing, and equipment maintenance/upkeep.

About the role

EMDD is a vertically integrated lab focused on wide/ultrawide bandgap semiconductors, electronic devices, ceramics, and other functional materials. This role supports the development of manufacturing processes for next-generation semiconductor materials and devices to enable improved electrical performance and capabilities. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• Research materials growth and deposition methods
• Run 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 (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, 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)

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

• Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions
• Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
• Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
• Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission-critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
• Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management
• Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvements

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science
• Relevant experience:
  • Advanced Professional: 5+ years
  • Intermediate Professional: 2+ years
  • Professional: No prior experience required
• U.S. citizenship (required for security clearance)

Skills

Required:

• Vacuum systems/hardware
• Materials growth/deposition methods (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, bulk crystal growth)
• Materials characterization methods
• Laboratory safety practices (e.g., PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal)
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Strong communication skills to drive understanding
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment
• Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher

Preferred:

• 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
• Knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices

About the organization

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 Intelligence Community (IC). 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.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, and sick time)
• 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children

Schedule

This is a fully on-site position located in State College, PA.