Materials Research and Development Engineer

About the role

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 directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in the areas of electronic materials growth/deposition, device fabrication, materials characterization, electrical testing, and equipment maintenance/upkeep.

Responsibilities

You will:

• 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, etc.)
• 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 position includes:

• 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

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Vacuum systems/hardware
• Materials growth/deposition methods (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, bulk crystal growth, etc.)
• Materials characterization methods
• Laboratory safety practices (e.g., PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.)
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• 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

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Past success growing and depositing materials
• Past success using materials characterization tools
• Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) equipment
• Growing single crystal or polycrystine diamond films
• Semiconductor materials and devices

Qualifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 2+ years of relevant experience
• Required Certifications: None

If filled as R&D Engineer - Materials (ARL) - Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• No prior relevant work experience required
• Required Certifications: None

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.

Pay

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

Schedule

Your working location can/will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.