Optical Systems Engineer - FREEPORT, PA

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division, located in Freeport, PA. This position will support imaging and other electro-optical system development programs with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers. The mission of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of Navy, DoD, and Intelligence Community research, engineering and technology needs.

ARL is a DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

Working location: full onsite in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

• Be responsible for novel and complex optical designs from concept through deployment
• Design and tolerance optical lens systems to meet performance requirements
• Perform analyses to validate performance of optical systems (stray light, thermal, MTF, distortion, vignetting, etc.)
• Collaborate with team on opto-mechanical designs, athermalization, imaging sensors, alignment, image processing, prototyping, test, analysis, and evaluation
• Support field-testing of imaging systems
• Contribute to proposals, reports, and presentations

Additional responsibilities for higher-level roles include:

• Perform systems engineering, project planning, budgeting, and scheduling
• Lead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder requirements and expectations
• Provide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO programs and initiatives
• Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects
• Develop and propose solutions for new applications
• Plan, organize, and lead field test events
• Act as Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the-art EO systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base

Required skills and experience:

• Proficient in design of optics for imaging applications including infrared
• Substantial experience with optical design and analysis software (Zemax, CODE V, Trace Pro, FRED, etc.)
• Knowledge of coating and optics fabrication techniques and limitations
• Strong knowledge of optical assembly and alignment methods
• Good working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensors

Preferred skills and experience:

• Design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systems
• Knowledge of focal plane arrays, imaging sensors, camera specs, and video interfaces
• Real-time image processing
• Radiometry, link budgets, sensor response prediction, and image quality metrics
• Microcontroller programming
• Software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, Image
  
  J, Python, OpenCV)
• Infrared system design and performance test methods
• Developing and fielding optical systems for military applications
• Laser systems
• Optical components (dichroic filters, polarize rs, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, shutters)
• Lab instrumentation (oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages)
• Statistical analysis tools to establish measurement uncertainty
• SOLIDWORKS-based opto-mechanical design techniques
• Motion control systems knowledge
• Sensors for physical properties measurement and signal conditioning
• Designing to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirements
• LiDAR principles and devices
• Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques
• Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher; government background investigation may be required

Minimum education, work experience & required certifications:

• For Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional:
  Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience; required certifications:
  None
• For Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional:
  Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science; 19+ years of relevant experience; required certifications:
  None

Note:

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems for the Navy, DoD, and Intel Community. For more information on ARL, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Employment requires successful background checks in accordance with University policies. All ARL positions require 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. A pre-employment drug screen is required.

The salary range is $ - $, with potential geographic differential. Penn State offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and tuition discount programs. For details, see the Benefits Page.