Electro-Optic and Infrared; EO​/IR Systems Engineer

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.

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. We are seeking an experienced 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 (just outside of Pittsburgh).

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 work with a small, multi-disciplinary team of optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving imaging systems ranging from handheld and battery operated, to systems mounted on ships with cranes, to aircraft targeting systems.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You Will:

• Take on challenges where the path the research may take is not clear, and the outcome is not known or guaranteed. You will be part of the team leadership that operates in this ambiguous space and develops the executable plan for the rest of the team
• Perform 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 represents
• Drive system level trade studies to develop architectures and allocate system level requirements across subsystems and engineering disciplines
• Be heavily involved in camera selection and evaluation covering the full spectrum of visible, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR) infrared
• Lead the 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 themselves
• Leverage 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 components
• Routinely 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 opportunities
• Provide input to the strategic direction of the department’s research pursuits by helping to establish the appropriate core competencies and evaluating where our capabilities best align with a sponsor’s need

• Perform project planning, budgeting, and scheduling
• Manage vendors and suppliers, from purchase orders through statements of work
• Lead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations
• Provide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO/IR programs and initiatives
• Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects
• Develop and propose solutions for new applications
• Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the-art imaging systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base

• Direct experience with the design, analysis, procurement, assembly and test of complete…