Electro-Optics & Metamaterial Systems Engineer

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 266,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Research & Development Engineer to lead a team in exploring advanced electro-optical systems, metasurfaces, and photonic structures. You will perform physics-based modeling, system-level trade studies, and sponsor-facing communications within a DoD-aligned research environment.

The role emphasizes independent work in a collaborative setting, with opportunities to shape the department’s research direction and engage with federal

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Active security clearance (TS/SCI) preferred or eligibility.
• Experience leading engineers and managing complex EO/IR projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a team within a research and development context.
• Conduct physics-based modeling to evaluate imaging system concepts.
• Drive system-level trade studies and allocate requirements across subsystems.
• Interface with sponsors, customers, and collaborators to define problems and communicate results.
• Assist in establishing core competencies and align research with sponsor needs.

Skills

Independent work

EO/IR systems

Metamaterials

Team leadership

System engineering

Security clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Research & Development Engineer to lead a team in exploring advanced electro-optical systems, metasurfaces, and photonic structures. You will perform physics-based modeling, system-level trade studies, and sponsor-facing communications within a DoD-aligned research environment.

The role emphasizes independent work in a collaborative setting, with opportunities to shape the department’s research direction and engage with federal