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Penn State University

Research Engineer - Advanced (Physics Department)

Penn State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States, 16802

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Research Engineer - Advanced

The Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics and the Department of Physics at The Pennsylvania State University are seeking to fill a Research Engineer - Advanced position in the departments' in-house electronics design facility. The successful candidate will work on a variety of collaborative physics and astrophysics projects under the guidance of the Detector Development Lead and in collaboration with faculty in the two departments. The projects will range from satellite- and balloon-based observatories to deep underground experiments, with science goals aimed at high-energy astrophysics, particle astrophysics, and fundamental physics projects. The Research Engineer-Advanced will lead engineering staff in the Detector Development lab in the development, fabrication, installation and use of custom circuit boards, electronics systems, and/or firmware relevant for these projects. The successful candidate will oversee the operations of the lab which currently includes three staff engineers. Some responsibilities include: Support faculty to define project requirements, design, and execute hardware, firmware, and software solutions. Design Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) Test electronic hardware using tools such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and VNAs Installation and deployment of hardware, firmware, and software systems by working at integration facilities. Management of DDL staff and lab and students working within the lab. Communication with faculty at Penn State and researchers around the world on physics and astronomy projects Preferred (but not mandatory) skills include using Altium Designer, HDL programming, programming microcontrollers, and familiarity with common hardware communication protocols such as i2c and SPI. Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 3+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None Applications must be submitted electronically and include a cover letter and resume. Applicants should arrange for three reference letters to be submitted to physicsapply@psu.edu, indicating the job number and position title in the subject line. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. 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. The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $129,500.00. 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.