Materials Research and Development Engineer
Quick Summary
Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing,
Vacuum systems/hardware Materials growth/deposition methods (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, phy
Research materials growth and deposition methods
Run furnaces and reactors and monitor materials growth and deposition processes
Configure furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
Perform equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
Characterize materials and devices (e.g., microscopy, spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, electrical testing, etc.)
Analyze characterization and testing data
Create project summaries and write technical reports
Plan project tasks and provide instructions to other staff members and students
Collaborate with engineers and research faculty to write proposals, develop budgets, and prepare Statements of Work (SOWs)
Responsibilities
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Conduct independent and collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation activities to solve complex scientific and engineering challenges supporting Department of Defense sponsors and national security missions
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Investigate, evaluate, and apply established and emerging engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and advanced technologies to develop innovative technical solutions
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Plan, perform, and lead analytical studies, modeling and simulation, laboratory experimentation, field testing, and prototype demonstrations to validate engineering concepts and system performance
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Design, develop, integrate, analyze, and evaluate complex hardware, software, embedded systems, sensors, communications systems, electromechanical systems, or other mission-critical technologies within assigned technical disciplines
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Apply systems engineering principles throughout the project lifecycle, including requirements development, architecture definition, design trade studies, integration, verification, validation, risk management, and configuration management
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Develop experimental plans, test procedures, data collection methodologies, and performance metrics; analyze results to identify technical issues, validate assumptions, and recommend design improvements
Vacuum systems/hardware
Materials growth/deposition methods (e.g., chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, bulk crystal growth, etc.)
Materials characterization methods
Laboratory safety practices (e.g., PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.)
Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment
Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher
Nice to Have
~1 min readPast success growing and depositing materials
Past success using materials characterization tools
Microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) equipment
Growing single crystal or polycrystalline diamond films
Semiconductor materials and devices
Your working location can/will be fully on-site located in State College, PA.
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.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
What We Offer
~1 min read
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.
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.
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.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Pay per year
- $92,100–$200,808 a year
- 115% above the $68,120 median for Other jobs on Jobera (125,697 salaries).
- Posted
- Today
Listing Details
- First seen
- October 27, 2026
- Last seen
- October 27, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 0
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 62%
- Scored at
- October 27, 2026
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