Optical Systems Engineer - FREEPORT, PA

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. POSITION SPECIFICSWe are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division, located in Freeport, PA. This position will support our imaging and other electro-optical system development programs where you will work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving sensors, lasers, and electro-optical (EO) technology. The mission of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and Intelligence Community research, engineering and technology needs.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Be responsible for novel and complex optical designs from concept through deploymentDesign and tolerance optical lens systems to meet performance requirementsPerform analysis to validate performance of optical systems – stray light, thermal, MTF, distortion, vignetting, etc.Collaborate with other team members on: opto-mechanical designs, athermalization, imaging sensors, alignment, image processing, prototyping, test, analysis, and evaluation.Support field-testing of imaging systemsContribute to proposals, reports, and presentationsAdditional responsibilities of the higher-level include:Perform systems engineering, project planning, budgeting, and schedulingLead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectationsProvide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO programs and initiativesIndependently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projectsDevelop and propose solutions for new applicationsPlan, organize, and lead field tests eventsPerform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art EO systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial BaseRequired skills and experience include:Proficient in design of optics for imaging applications including infraredSubstantial experience with optical design and analysis software (Zemax, CODE V, Trace Pro, FRED, etc.)Knowledge of current coating and optics fabrication techniques and limitationsStrong knowledge of optical assembly and alignment methodsGood working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensorsPreferred skills and experience include:Design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systemsKnowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfacesReal-time image processingRadiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metricsMicrocontroller programmingSoftware tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.)Infrared systems design and performance test methods.Developing and fielding optical systems for military applicationsLaser systemsSpecification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shuttersLab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stagesStatistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertaintyOpto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKSSpecifying, using, and tuning motion control systemsSensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methodsDesigning to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirementsLiDAR principals and devicesKnowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniquesSecurity clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe subject to government background investigation to upgrade clearance, eligibility if requiredYour working location will be full onsite located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required CertificationsIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: NoneARL’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 web site at www.arl.psu.edu.Your working location will be full onsite located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.Salary & BenefitsThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structurePenn 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 STATISTICSPursuant 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.EEO IS THE LAWPenn 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.Federal Contractors Labor Law PosterPA State Labor Law PosterPenn State PoliciesCopyright InformationHotlines