Optical Systems Engineer

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join our Sensors Signals and Software Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will support our imaging and other electro-optical system development programs.  ARL/Penn State's mission 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.  You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving sensors, lasers, and electro-optical technology.

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

You will:

• Be responsible for novel and complex optical designs from concept through deployment.
• Design and tolerance optical lens systems to meet performance requirements.
• Perform analysis to validate performance of optical systems – stray light, thermal, MTF, distortion, vignetting, etc.
• Collaborate with other team members 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.

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending on your education and experience. Minimally requires a Bachelors' degree in an Engineering or Science discipline plus five years of related experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher-level positions.

Additional responsibilities of the higher-level positions include:

• Perform systems engineering, project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• 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 programs and initiatives.
• Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects.
• Develop and propose solutions for new applications.
• Plan, organize, and lead field tests events.
• 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.

Required skills/experience include:

• 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 current 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/experience areas include:

• Experience with design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systems.
• Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces.
• Experience with real-time image processing.
• Experience with radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics.
• Microcontroller programming.
• Experience with software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.).
• Experience with infrared systems design and performance test methods.
• Experience developing and fielding optical systems for military applications.
• Familiarity with laser systems.
• Familiarity with the specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters.
• Familiarity with lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS.
• Experience specifying, using, and tuning motion control systems.
• Familiarity with sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods.
• Experience designing to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirements.
• Familiarity with LiDAR principals and devices.
• Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques.
• An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable.

This position will be onsite and located in Freeport PA.

Candidates for consideration must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume. 

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. 

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).  We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

**The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.**

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$109,300.00 - $191,000.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure. 

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant 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.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action 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.

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