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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of Engineering Support Specialist to join the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will directly support research and development 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/ultrawide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM).

You will:

• Prepare samples including machining, cutting, grinding, etc.
• Chemi-mechanical polishing (CMP) OM and SEM of semiconductors, metals, ceramics, powders, fracture surfaces, etc.
• EDS and XRD data collection and analysis of composition, crystal structure, phases, etc.
• AFM and white light interferometry for surface topography characterization
• Configuring furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
• Run furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes
• Device fabrication, including lithography, deposition, and etching
• Electrical characterization and device testing
• Support of general maintenance or high temperature crystal growth equipment
• Input on technical approaches and processing conditions
• Ensuring equipment is running in a safe manner
• Mentoring and training of early career colleagues

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending on the selected candidate's education and experience. Minimally requires an Associate’s Degree in an engineering or technical program plus 6 years’ related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional education and/or experience are required for higher level positions.

Required skills/experience include:

• Sample preparation and materials characterization
• Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.
• Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience include:

• Hands-on experience using OM, SEM, EDS, XRD, AFM, or other materials characterization techniques
• Hands-on experience performing lithography, evaporation, sputtering, dry etching, wet etching, or other device processing steps
• Knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
• Knowledge of semiconductor devices
• Experience with additive manufacturin