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Tech Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Run furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes Minimally requires a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, science, or technology program and no minimum work experience. The ...

$65K - $94K/yr

POSITION SPECIFICS The Penn State Breazeale Reactor is looking for an Engineering Technologist to join the Team! This position will supervise and operate the reactor as a licensed Senior Reactor ...

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Tech Engineer information

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$14

$32

$53

How much do tech engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for tech engineer in Pennsylvania is $32.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.29 and $38.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tech engineer?

To thrive as a Tech Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with programming languages, version control systems like Git, and cloud platforms or DevOps tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help Tech Engineers excel in collaborative and dynamic environments. These competencies enable efficient development, troubleshooting, and innovation, which are critical for delivering robust technology solutions.

What are some common challenges tech engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Tech Engineers often collaborate with product managers, designers, and other engineering specialists to deliver complex projects. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across different disciplines, as technical requirements and priorities may differ. Managing timelines and aligning everyone’s expectations requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Proactively seeking feedback and fostering open dialogue can help Tech Engineers navigate these challenges and contribute to successful team outcomes.

What is the difference between Tech Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectTech EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, certifications varyBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and maintain technical systems, often in hardware and infrastructureDevelop, test, and deploy software applications and programs
Industry UsageUsed across IT, manufacturing, telecommunications, and tech industriesPrimarily in software, tech startups, and IT services

Tech Engineers focus on designing and maintaining technical systems, including hardware and infrastructure, while Software Developers primarily create and maintain software applications. Both roles require technical skills and often collaborate, but their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Tech Engineer jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Tech Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Tech Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,565 per year, or $33 per hour.

Part-Time Engineering Technologist

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

228th of 616 rated colleges and universities


Job description

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.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
We are seeking a motivated candidate to fill the role of a Part-Time Engineering Technologist to join the Electronic Materials and Devices Department (EMDD) of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will directly support research and development (R&D) efforts in the areas of electronic materials processing, characterization/testing, semiconductor device fabrication, sample preparation, polishing, and/or materials growth/synthesis. EMDD is a vertically integrated lab with key areas of focus including wide/ultrawide bandgap (WBG/UWBG) semiconductors, sensors, ceramics, laser processing, and additive manufacturing (AM).
You will:
  • Prepare samples
  • Perform Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP)
  • Perform Materials characterization, including microscopy, spectroscopy, and x-ray diffraction
  • Perform Electrical characterization and device testing
  • Analyze data and report results
  • Research new sample preparation and characterization methods
  • Configure furnaces/reactors and hardware for vacuum systems
  • Run furnaces/reactors and monitoring materials growth/synthesis processes

Minimally requires a Bachelor's Degree in an engineering, science, or technology program and no minimum work experience. The selected candidate will primarily work at EMDD's Laboratory and the Millennium Science Complex (MSC) at Penn State's University Park campus.
Required skills/experience include:
  • Background knowledge of sample preparation methods
  • Knowledge of materials characterization methods
  • Understanding of laboratory safety practices, including PPE, chemical handling, waste disposal, etc.
  • Ability to maintain organized and detailed notes
  • Experience using Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Good communication skills
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced team environment

Preferred skills/experience include:
  • Hands-on experience using materials characterization tools
  • Basic knowledge of vacuum systems/hardware
  • Basic knowledge of semiconductor materials and devices
  • Experience using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, etc.)

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.
Candidates selected will be subject to a government security investigation and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
**The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.**
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 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.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.
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