Mechanical Engineering Support Specialist

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 Engineering Support Specialist for the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with key areas of focus including wide/ultrawide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM).  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.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Conduct materials characterization (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction)Prepare and polish samplesOperate furnaces/reactors; monitor materials growth and synthesis processesPerform device fabrication in a cleanroom environmentCarry out electrical characterization and device testingSupport routine equipment maintenanceProvide input on technical approaches and processing conditionsEnsure equipment is  operated safely and in compliance with safety standardsRequired Skills/Experience areas include:Sample preparation and materials characterization techniquesLaboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.Success maintaining organized and detailed documentationMicrosoft Office, Excel, and PowerPointAbility to express ideas successfully to drive understandingWillingness to work in a fast-paced team environmentPreferred skills/experience include:OM, SEM, EDS, XRD, AFM, or other materials characterization techniquesLithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps in a cleanroom environmentVacuum systems/hardware and familiarly with high temperature crystal growth equipmentSemiconductor devices and methodsAdditive manufacturing/3D printing toolsCAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Senior Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 4+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None If filled as Engineering Support Specialist - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Associate Degree 2+ 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/CLEARANCESEmployment 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 & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $51,000.00 - $89,600.00.**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 STATISTICSPursuant 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 LAWPenn 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 prot