Head of Advanced Optical Systems — DoD R&D Leader (Onsite)

Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University; Freeport (PA); On-site; USD 161,004 - 298,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University in Freeport, PA seeks a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) Department to lead research and development in imaging, high-energy laser delivery, and sensing systems.

The position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure-track Research Faculty member; ARL welcomes transitioning military members through DoD SkillBridge partnerships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field and extensive experience managing DoD sensor projects.
• Broad understanding of optical systems design, tolerancing, and validation methods.
• Experience leading research and development in advanced optical engineering.

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 and expanding knowledge.
• Serve as principal investigator and program manager to ensure program success and strong partnerships.

Skills

Staff leadership

Project management

DoD program experience

Optical systems knowledge

Optical design tools

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

TracePro

FRED

Job description

Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University in Freeport, PA seeks a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) Department to lead research and development in imaging, high-energy laser delivery, and sensing systems.

The position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure-track Research Faculty member; ARL welcomes transitioning military members through DoD SkillBridge partnerships.