Department Head – Advanced Optical Systems (FACULTY)

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical coverage

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

A research laboratory is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department to lead and manage high-impact research projects in optical systems. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in managing DoD-related projects, a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, and proficiency with optical design software. The role is fully on-site in Freeport, PA, and requires a U.S. citizenship for security clearance. Key benefits include comprehensive medical coverage and a significant tuition discount.

Qualifications

• At least ten years of experience managing projects related to sensor command and control.
• Supervisory or project leadership experience of at least five years.
• Experience transitioning technology from laboratory to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department.
• Plan and direct high-impact research projects.
• Serve as a principal investigator and program manager.

Skills

Optical design and analysis software (e.g., Zemax, CODE V)

Optical system development

Project management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Job description

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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

HIGH‑LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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

LOCATION & WORK ARRANGEMENTS

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.

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.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

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.