Department Head – Advanced Optical Systems

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 109,300 - 219,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

A leading research institution in Freeport, PA, is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department. This role involves providing leadership, mentoring staff, and managing high-impact research projects focused on innovative optical solutions. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical field and 10+ years of project management experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $109,300.00 - $219,600.00 and robust employee benefits, prominently including a tuition discount.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of project management experience.
• Experience with DoD applications.
• Knowledge of optical lens design and validation methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Advanced Optical Systems Department.
• Manage high-impact research projects.
• Serve as principal investigator and program manager.

Skills

Project management

Optical systems understanding

Optical design software proficiency

Communication skills

Technology transition success

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree in a related field

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

TracePro

FRED

Job description

Application Instructions

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Remote & Hybrid Work

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 Specifics

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) Department. AOS develops innovative optical solutions for imaging, high-energy laser delivery, and sensing systems, and maintains the design and testing capabilities required to build and fully characterize all aspects of optical performance—from image quality to HEL coating damage testing. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure-track Research Faculty member.

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

You Will

• Provide organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department, including employee management, recruitment, development, and retention
• Mentor staff while planning and directing high-impact research projects, expanding knowledge and understanding
• Serve as a principal investigator and program manager, leveraging subject matter expertise in optical systems and applying leadership and systems engineering principles to ensure program success
• Execute projects involving the design and development of prototype electro-optical systems for military and intelligence community applications
• Conduct basic and applied research in the development, integration, and evaluation of high-performance, novel, and complex optical designs—from concept through deployment—while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry partners, and government stakeholders to solve electro-optics challenges and support military and IC customers
• Lead the development of proposals and projects that advance knowledge of high-performance optical systems
• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with manufacturers, system integrators, and government sponsors to ensure projects meet customer requirements, uphold ARL’s position of trust, and contribute to the strategic mission of the EOE Division

Higher-Level Responsibilities Include

• Coordinate research and development activities across disciplines, including defining scope, selecting problems for investigation, and developing novel concepts and approaches
• Devise, plan, and lead projects that solve highly complex problems impacting current product designs or addressing broader challenges for future technologies
• Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify emerging research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal development and presentations
• Contribute to ARL’s strategic plan

Required Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, and a minimum of ten years of experience managing projects related to sensor command and control
• Leading and managing projects supporting Department of Defense (DoD) applications
• Broad understanding of optical systems, including design and tolerancing of optical lens systems to meet performance requirements, and validation methods such as stray light, thermal performance, MTF, distortion, and vignetting
• Optical design and analysis software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V, TracePro, FRED)
• Current coating and optics fabrication techniques and their limitations
• Optical system development, including materials and photonic processes used in cutting-edge designs
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated success transitioning technology from laboratory development to implementation
• At least five years of supervisory or project leadership experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree in a related field
• Significant leadership experience
• Emerging optical design approaches such as broadband systems, optical metasurfaces, gradient-index lenses, and other advanced designs
• Systems engineering experience and/or training
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Work Location and Travel

Your primary work location will be fully on-site in Freeport, PA. Questions regarding flexible work arrangements should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position requires periodic travel to remote locations to support testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• Principal Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science—19+ years of relevant experience—Required Certifications: None
• Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science—5+ years of relevant experience—Required Certifications: None
• Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science—14+ years of relevant experience—Required Certifications: None

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment 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 & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $219,600.00. THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure. Penn 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 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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.