Research Engineer - Nanofabrication Lab; Materials Research Institute

Position: Research Engineer - Nanofabrication Lab (Materials Research Institute)

Location: University Park

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.

This position is funded for 1 year(s); continuation past 1 year(s) will be based on university need, performance, and/or availability of funding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

Penn State's Nanofabrication Laboratory, a world class open user facility under the Materials Research Institute, seeks a seasoned Research Engineer with a robust background in nanofabrication. This position will be filled at the Research Engineer - Advanced Professional level.

The Nanofabrication Laboratory is a 15,000 sq ft class Class 1000 / 100 open user facility located in the Millennium Science Complex. The successful candidate will have extensive experience working in a cleanroom environment, focusing on process integration, and the development and troubleshooting of prototype devices.

This position will be responsible for advanced packaging toolset and processes related to substrate fabrication along with other responsibilities within the nanofabrication lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Implement advanced packaging processes, including die bonding, and substrate fabrication.
• Fabrication on behalf of internal and external users across a wide range of applications.  Become proficient on majority of tools within the facility including lithography processes.
• As the owner of multiple tools, maintain and troubleshoot complex tool issues within the cleanroom and train users on toolset.
• Assist in wafer bonding, femtosecond laser patterning, and electroplating of vias.
• Documentation of processes, results and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in nanofabrication within a cleanroom setting.
• Demonstrated ability in process integration and prototype device development.
• Skilled in maintenance and troubleshooting of nanofabrication tools.
• Expertise with majority of the tools in the nanofabrication toolset.
• Proficient in lithography and etching techniques for submicron feature creation.

The Research and Development Engineer will bring a strong record of innovation and problem-solving to advance materials research at Penn State while working on-site in a cleanroom environment with strict protocol adherence. Reporting to the Nanofabrication Facility Operations Director, the role supports and advances nanofabrication operations through self-directed goal setting, prioritization, and scheduling, and provides input on equipment issues, purchases, staffing, and budgeting.

The position requires hands-on involvement in equipment repair and process troubleshooting, strong collaboration skills, and regular communication with students, faculty, industry partners, government laboratories, and global institutions, including ongoing interaction with key faculty experts.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

3+ years of relevant experience

Required

Certifications:

None

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $.

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