Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Engineer

Because this position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance, US Citizenship is mandatory.

A full-time Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) Engineer position is available for a motivated individual to work in an integrated, results-oriented research and development MEMS team environment as an on-site contractor with the Mechanical Sensing Branch at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, Maryland.

Job Description:

A strong preference will be given to individuals with experience in microelectronics, semiconductor, or MEMS and related design, modeling, and characterization techniques. Expertise, knowledge and skills include experience or familiarity with finite element modeling, MEMS or circuit design experience, experience or familiarity with microelectronics characterization equipment, ability to work independently; ability to collaborate with engineering and fabrication staff; execution, analysis, and documentation of the design and characterization of experimental microelectronics and MEMS technologies.

Tasks/Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Principal Investigator (PI) for the research and development of a novel MEMS RF power detector.
• Execute tunable RF filter design and modeling in multiple novel technologies, including acoustic, electromagnetic, transmission-line, cavity, and other approaches.
• Develop automated Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models in COMSOL across multiple fabrication processes, device technologies, and simulation domains. Assist in integrating these automated models into a broader research workflow automation system.
• Collaborate with team members and external partners to realize advances in the state-of-the-art for MEMS and RF sensors; participate in design reviews to improve overall quality and performance.
• Make critical engineering observations, perform advanced data and simulation analysis, document modeling procedures and results, and present findings at appropriate scientific venues.

Skills and Knowledge:

• US citizenship
• Ability to secure a security clearance
• Master's degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or a closely related field.
• Exceptional drive and an execution-focused mindset; highly capable of managing competing priorities and sustaining a rapid pace of high-quality output in a demanding R&D setting.
• Expert-level working knowledge of COMSOL (or similar FEA software) and proficiency in MATLAB or Python for driving simulation automation and data analysis.
• Deep understanding of RF and circuit design principles (acoustic, electromagnetic, transmission-line, and cavity-based approaches) and MEMS transduction mechanisms.
• Proven ability to act as a project lead/PI.
• Strong communication (both written and verbal) skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Interest in advancing and prioritizing national security technologies.

Work Experience Desired:

• 3 years or more experience with microelectronics, semiconductor, or MEMS design, modeling, and characterization, with a focus on RF applications.
• Proven track record in the design, modeling, and evaluation of tunable RF filters or RF power detectors.
• Experience developing automated simulation workflows and integrating computational models using relevant coding languages (Python, MATLAB, etc.).
• Prior experience serving as a project lead, Principal Investigator, or technical director on complex R&D initiatives.
• Proficient in scientific computing environments and MS Office products.

Competitive pay commensurate with education and experience.

The selected candidate will be an employee of General Technical Services LLC (GTS).

US citizenship is mandatory (to obtain the required security clearance). There may be occasional travel. GTS offers company-funded educational support for job-related training. Other benefits include eleven (federal) holidays, a co-funded medical plan, fifteen days of personal time, and a 401(k) investment package.

Background: Located in Adelphi, MD, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory's (ARL) Army Research Directorate (ARD) is the principal Army organization for research and development on advanced, forward-viewing technologies for the US Army. ARD conducts innovative research to provide the Army with affordable enabling technology in sensors, electronic warfare (EW), Quantum information sciences, position navigation and timing (PNT), Systems Biology, and Energy & Power. ARD coordinates technologies within the Army, other services and their laboratories, industry, and academia to leverage basic and applied research opportunities for the benefit of the Army. See https://www.arl.army.mil/ and select “Who we are”.

To accomplish its mission ARD utilizes several unique facilities, most notably the Zahl Physical Science Laboratory, a 349,000 square foot state-of-the-art electronics R&D facility. This building has a 15,000 square foot clean room, dry room, high energy laser facilities, bio-inspired sensor laboratories and other research & development infrastructure.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Semiconductor or MEMS design: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• US Citizenship (Required)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Preferred)

Work Location: In person