Optical Communications 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 searching for an Optical Communications Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of electro-optical systems, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location.ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.You will:Perform research and development tasks in optical communications; these include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testingCommunicate and document results in reports and presentationsAssist with development of proposals for projectsAssist in new concept developmentAnalyze alternatives independently and apply engineering techniques and procedures to assignmentsLead optical communication-related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributionsEngage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projectsHigher-level responsibilities include:Provide technical leadership within the division for optical communicationsMay chair sessions at technical conferences/meetingsParticipate in external seminars, workshops, professional societies and committeesIndependently manage multiple and/or large optical communications projectsRequired skills and experience include:Five years or more experience in guided (fiber), free-space or under-sea optical communicationsExperience in optical system design, especially as it relates to free space and/or fiber optical communication systemsFamiliar with communication architectures, systems, protocols, devices, media, and integrationHands-on prototyping and demonstration of optical and RF components, links, and networksInterfacing with, collection from, and diagnosis of data from hardwareAbility to clearly communicate, document, and present resultsPreferred skills and experience include:A Master's degree in Physics or Optical EngineeringDevelopment and understanding of optical communication architectures, systems, protocols, devices, media, and integrationKnowledge of current state-of-the-art systems, optical propagation, laser communications systems and subsystems, especially as they pertain to military applicationsSpace-based payload and systems experienceEnd-to-end optical remote sensor developmentCurrent relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystemBusiness development experience with government customersProject management and leadershipExperience with VPI or OptSim or similarAn active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCIYour working location will be on-site, located in Freeport, PA. A hybrid work schedule may be possible.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 - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ 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 Intelligence Community (IC).FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site 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 $109,300.00 - $191,000.00.**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. 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