Electro-Optics Materials and Device Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks an R&D Engineer to lead projects in optical and electro‑optic systems, including metasurfaces and photonic structures. You will model performance, perform system‑level studies, and collaborate with sponsors to align research with mission needs.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, deep EO/IR understanding, and experience with state-of-the-art electro‑optic technologies, with security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in ambiguous research spaces and developing executable plans.
• Physics-based modeling to predict imaging system performance.
• Experience performing system-level trade studies and allocating requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in an ambiguous R&D space and set project direction.
• Model imaging system concepts to predict performance and feasibility.
• Conduct system-level trade studies to define architectures and allocate subsystems requirements.
• Interface with sponsors, customers, end-users, and collaborators to scope research and communicate results.
• Contribute to strategic direction by aligning capabilities with sponsor needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Physics-based modeling

System-level trade studies

Sponsors interaction

Security clearance

Electro-optics systems

Metamaterials

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

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.

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations (including the Electro-Optics & Electronics (EOE) Freeport Office near Pittsburgh, PA) in support of collaboration and testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

We are searching for a Research & Development Engineer to join our EOE Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. EOE develops innovative optical solutions for imaging, high-energy laser (HEL) 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 role will lead and conduct basic and applied research of advanced electro‑optical designs, including metasurfaces, photonic structures and other emerging material and nano‑science applications. You will have the ability to take on challenges where the path the research may take is not clear, and the outcome is not known or guaranteed.

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

You will:

• Act as part of team leadership that operates in this ambiguous space and develops the executable plan for the rest of the team


• Perform physics-based modeling to predict the performance of imaging system concepts and designs


• Drive system level trade studies to develop architectures and allocate system level requirements across subsystems and engineering disciplines


• Routinely interface with sponsors, customers, end-users, and collaborators to understand their problems, brainstorm solutions, scope research, communicate the technical aspects of research execution, and convey the significance of results


• Provide input to the strategic direction of the department’s research pursuits by helping to establish the appropriate core competencies and evaluating where our capabilities best align with a sponsor’s needs

Additional responsibilities of the higher-level include:

• Leverage prior first-hand experience with building and testing advanced, state-of-the‑art electro-optic systems


• Track the latest developments in electro-optic systems and advise on how and when to integrate them into on-going and future research opportunities.


• Perform project planning, budgeting, and scheduling


• Manage vendors and suppliers, from purchase orders through statements of work


• Lead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations


• Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects


• Develop and propose solutions for new applications


• Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art electro-optic systems and solutions

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment and meet project schedule requirements


• Direct experience with the design, analysis, procurement, assembly and testing of components and complete electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems for military applications


• Microelectronic systems and detector fabrication processes


• Success in a multitude of optical and electrical materials and systems


• Success operating as a systems engineer for imaging systems


• Familiarity with photonic structures and other optical metamaterial designs approaches


• Active security clearance, at the secret level, with eligibility for TS/SCI

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Experience within an organization responsible for manufacturing EO/IR systems


• Direct experience with visible and infrared imaging system design and characterization


• Strong knowledge of electro-optical metamaterial designs approaches


• Radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics


• Significant experience with electro-optic designs that extend the electro-optic state-of-the‑art


• Significant experience bringing together distributed teams to achieve multiplied results


• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level or higher

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

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

Background checks/clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.

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.