Fiber Optic Applications Engineer

Overview

We are searching for a Senior Fiber Optic Applications Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division within the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL researches and develops innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the DoD, and the IC. You would join a team advancing optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements to enhance warfighter capability.

This position works on-site in Freeport, PA.

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

• Perform research and development tasks into optical fiber applications, including system-based analyses, prototype development, and testing
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
• Assist with development of proposals for projects
• Assist in new concept development; analyze alternatives and apply engineering techniques to assignments
• Lead fiber-optic projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
• Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects

• Provide technical leadership within the division for fiber optics
• Chair sessions at technical conferences or meetings; participate in external seminars and professional activities
• Independently manage multiple and/or large optical projects

• Strong desire to innovate and create technologies that advance customer capabilities
• Capture customer needs and create novel solutions
• Explain complex ideas in simple terms
• Foster new relationships by delivering relevant results on time and within scope
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• Insight to know when and what should be delegated
• Product evolution from concept to prototype to brass board
• Fiber handling and splicing, lab equipment usage, and, preferentially, computer-controlled automation/data collection
• DoD industrial base needs in fiber optics
• Inherently inquisitive and willing to learn new concepts
• Deep understanding of fiber optics, including propagation physics, practical engineering aspects (fusion splicing, connectors, cable routing, loss effects, reliability), and communications theory (OOK, DWDM, coherent formats, budgets, dispersion, link and penalty assessments), plus free-space to fiber coupling and optics alignment

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field is highly desired
• End-to-end optical sensor development
• Relationships with optical suppliers and familiarity with the optics vendor ecosystem
• Business development experience with government customers
• Project management and leadership
• Fiber optic transmission, communication theory, advanced optical signal coding and modulation formats, and network architecture
• Fiber optic systems and components (lasers, modulators, EDFAs, dispersion compensators, fibers, passive components, receivers, high-speed modules)
• Commercial optical transport products (40G/100G coherent systems)
• Experience with transmission modeling software (e.g., VPI), optical design software (ZEMAX), LabVIEW, and MATLAB
• Eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher, subject to background investigation if required

Your working location will be on-site in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

Role options:
Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional or Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional.

• Senior Professional:
  Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience;
  No required certifications
• Advanced Professional:
  Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 5+ years of relevant experience;
  No required certifications

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the DoD, and the IC.

For more information about ARL, see the ARL website. Background checks and security clearances may be required. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. A pre-employment drug screen may be required.

The salary range is $ – $ (geographic differential may apply). Penn State provides a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for eligible employees and dependents. Further details are available on the Benefits Page.

Penn State complies with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment…