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Materials/Electrical Engineering Technologist

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
State College, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 4/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/12/2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • 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

We are searching for an experienced Materials/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

Your working location will be fully on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

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 web site 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.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $68,200.00 - $102,300.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

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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PA State Labor Law Poster

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Salary : $68,200 - $102,300

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