Director, Advanced Optical Systems

Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department within the EOE Division. Lead imaging, laser delivery, and sensing program efforts, and oversee staffing and research directions.

The role blends leadership, research management, and collaboration with engineers, scientists, industry partners, and government sponsors to advance high-performance optical systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 10+ years managing sensor-related projects.
• Experience leading DoD applications projects and coordinating across disciplines.
• Broad understanding of optical systems, design/tolerancing, and validation methods.
• Proficiency with optical design software (Zemax, CODE V, TracePro, FRED).
• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or project leadership experience.

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 for optical systems projects; lead proposals and budgets.
• Execute projects involving the design and development of prototype electro-optical systems for DoD and IC applications.
• Conduct basic and applied research from concept to deployment in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.
• Develop and maintain long-term relationships with manufacturers, system integrators, and government sponsors to meet customer requirements.

Education

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

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) in a related field

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

TracePro

FRED

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department within the EOE Division. Lead imaging, laser delivery, and sensing program efforts, and oversee staffing and research directions.

The role blends leadership, research management, and collaboration with engineers, scientists, industry partners, and government sponsors to advance high-performance optical systems.