Materials Science Research Engineer

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Job Description and

Position Requirements

We are searching for a motivated Materials Science Researcher to join our High Performance Materials and Processing Development Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. ARL/Penn State’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). You will support projects related to materials design, improvement, deposition, and characterization involving materials such as ceramic, metallic, semiconductors, and/or mixed, combination for corrosion resistance, wear resistance, erosion resistance, thermal protection, or optical performance.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Design, develop, and conduct experimental coating deposition trials for a wide range of materials and coatings comprised of nanocomposite, nanolayered, multilayered, functionally graded, and multifunctional material systems for property enhancement and performance for a variety of applications in the aerospace, defense, tooling, biomedical, nuclear, microelectronic, and optical industries
• Develop experimental procedures for mechanical, environmental, and materials characterization testing
• Prepare technical reports and presentations
• Mentor, train, and collaborate with technical staff in the setup, maintenance, and operation of electron beam physical vapor deposition (EBPVD) systems, magnetron sputtering systems, cathodic arc systems, and other vacuum systems
• Supervise the work of lower level staff and undergraduate students

Typical requirements include a Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering or Science discipline, Master’s Degree preferred; 5+ years related experience.

Required skills/experience areas include

• Coating deposition processes such as EBPVD, magnetron sputtering, cathodic arc systems, and electrochemical/autocatalytic baths including operation, maintenance, and process development
• Coatings characterization by various techniques, including Tribology, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultraviolet/visible and near infrared spectroscopy (UV‑VIS NIR), Raman, and optical profilometry
• Vacuum system pumps, controls, electrical requirements, design, and proper integration of components
• Understanding and process development of ceramic and metallic (nano) polymer matrix composites
• Characterization and synthesis of polymer-based and hybrid coating systems.
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding

Preferred skills/experience areas include

• Advanced coating deposition techniques
• Electron beam high heat flux testing, including beam development and control
• Past success with creating technical reports and documents, as well as providing ideas in written form for clear comprehension to an audience
• Active government security clearance

Your working location will be on site located in State College, PA.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

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