Director, Advanced Optical Systems & Imaging

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 161,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Generous retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department. The role focuses on leading a team of engineers and scientists to advance imaging, sensing, and laser delivery technologies for defense applications.

Ideal candidates will have a strong track record in optical design, DoD program management, and personnel leadership, with an ability to drive multi-disciplinary research from concept to deployment in a secure,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and 10+ years of project management experience in sensor command and control.
• Experience leading DoD-related projects.
• Broad understanding of optical systems and validation methods (MTF, stray light, distortion).
• Experience with optical design software such as Zemax, CODE V, TracePro, or FRED.
• Knowledge of coating and optics fabrication techniques.
• Experience in optical system development including materials and photonic processes.
• Strong communication and organizational skills in an office setting.
• Proven success transitioning technology from lab to deployment.
• At least 5 years of supervisory or project leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department.
• Mentor staff while directing high-impact research projects.
• Serve as PI and program manager for optical systems programs.
• Execute design and development of prototype electro-optical systems for DoD/IC.
• Conduct basic and applied research on high-performance optical designs.
• Lead development of proposals and projects advancing optical systems.
• Develop long-term relationships with manufacturers, integrators, and sponsors.
• Coordinate R&D across disciplines and identify novel concepts.
• Direct major proposal development and presentations.
• Contribute to ARL’s strategic plan.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, EEs, or

10+ years project management in sensor

DoD project leadership

Optical systems knowledge

Optical design software (Zemax, CODE V

Coating/fabrication techniques

Optical system development, materials,

Strong communication/organization

Tech transfer from lab to deployment

5+ years supervisory leadership

Education

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

Advanced degree in a related field

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department. The role focuses on leading a team of engineers and scientists to advance imaging, sensing, and laser delivery technologies for defense applications.

Ideal candidates will have a strong track record in optical design, DoD program management, and personnel leadership, with an ability to drive multi-disciplinary research from concept to deployment in a secure,