Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer

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 a Principal Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer to join our Sensors, Signals, and Software Department in the Electro-Optics and Electronics division located in Freeport PA. This department supports DoD acquisitions through electro-optics, electronics, and software trade space definition, exploration, and reduction to inform next generation DoD architectures and capabilities. This spans research in the form of modeling, extensive prototyping, and both functional and environmental test.You Will:Take on challenges where the path the research may take is not clear, and the outcome is not known or guaranteedBe part of the team leadership that operates in this ambiguous space and develops the executable plan for the rest of the teamPerform physics-based modeling to predict the performance of imaging system concepts and designs, such as through the use of the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) and MODTRAN. Execution of these analyses are supported by a deep understanding of the underlying environmental, atmospheric, optics, imager, and human components that the model representsExperience within an organization responsible for manufacturing EO/IR systemsDrive system level trade studies to develop architectures and allocate system level requirements across subsystems and engineering disciplinesBe heavily involved in camera selection and evaluation covering the full spectrum of visible, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR) infraredLead a team on all aspects of system test (lab, environmental, and field testing) including authoring test plans, identification of the appropriate test equipment, and execution of the tests themselvesLeverage prior first-hand experience with building and testing imaging systems to help the team avoid the traditional pitfalls in imaging designs and instead focus that energy towards the high-risk research componentsRoutinely interface with sponsors, customers, and end-users to understand their problems, brainstorm solutions, scope research, communicate the technical aspects of research execution, and convey the significance of results.Track the latest developments in imaging cameras, physics-based modeling, and imaging improvement / enhancement techniques and advise on how and when to integrate them into on-going and future research opportunitiesDevise, plan, and lead projects solving extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products or technologiesCoordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approachesPlan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, mentor and advise the work of staff scientists, engineers and techniciansProvide input to the strategic direction of the division’s research pursuits by helping to establish the appropriate core competencies and evaluating where our capabilities best align with a sponsor’s needsPerform project planning, budgeting, and schedulingManage vendors and suppliers, from purchase orders through statements of workLead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectationsProvide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO/IR programs and initiativesIndependently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projectsDevelop and propose solutions for new applicationsPerform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art imaging systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial BasePropose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentationRequired skills and experience include:Past success with the design, analysis, procurement, assembly and test of complete electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for military applicationsInfrared imaging system experience is a mustRadiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metricsSoftware tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.)Real-time image processingLaser Range Finders, LiDAR, and other laser systemsSpecification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shuttersProficient in a discipline core to the design and development of imaging systems prior to transitioning to a system roleOperating as a systems engineer for imaging systemsKnowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfacesPast success with visible and infrared imaging system design and characterizationStrong knowledge of electro-optical assembly methods including tolerancing and alignmentsGood working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensorsFamiliarity with lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stagesPreferred skills and experience include:Skills in the use of requirements management tools such as DOORS or JamaExperience with statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertaintyFamiliarity with opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKSFamiliarity with sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methodsKnowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniquesCurrent eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if requiredThis position will be located fully on-site located in Freeport, PA.Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required CertificationsBachelor'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 website at www.arl.psu.edu.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 $141,700.00 - $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