Head of Advanced Optical Systems & Imaging

The Pennsylvania State University; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in Freeport, PA invites applications for the Department Head of Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) within the EOE Division of MMSO. The role may be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure-track Research Faculty; ARL supports DoD SkillBridge for transitioning military members.

Your primary work location will be fully on-site in Freeport, PA, with periodic travel to remote locations to support testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years managing DoD sensor/command and control projects.
• Knowledge of optical systems design and validation (MTF, stray light, distortion).
• Experience with optical design/analysis software (Zemax, CODE V, TracePro, FRED).
• Understanding of coating and optics fabrication processes.
• Proven leadership and project-management in office environments.
• 5+ years 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 projects.
• Design and develop prototype electro-optical systems for DoD/IC.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and government sponsors.
• Develop proposals and grow programs advancing high-performance optics.

Skills

Leadership

DoD program management

Optical systems

Optical design tools

Coatings & fabrication

Communication

Tech transition

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics/EE/ME

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Zemax

CODE V

TracePro

FRED

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in Freeport, PA invites applications for the Department Head of Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) within the EOE Division of MMSO. The role may be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure-track Research Faculty; ARL supports DoD SkillBridge for transitioning military members.

Your primary work location will be fully on-site in Freeport, PA, with periodic travel to remote locations to support testing.