Lead Electro-Optics & Photonics Systems Engineer

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

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Research & Development Engineer to join the EOE Division in State College, PA. You will lead basic and applied research in electro‑optic designs, metasurfaces, and nano‑material concepts, collaborating with a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

You will interface with sponsors and end‑users, develop executable plans, and guide architecture trade studies while planning budgets and schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• 18+ or 19+ years of relevant experience for Principal Professional track / 14+ years for Senior Professional track.
• Active security clearance at the secret level, with eligibility for TS/SCI.

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct basic and applied research of electro‑optic designs and metasurfaces.
• Model imaging system concepts and perform system‑level trade studies.
• Interface with sponsors, customers, and collaborators to scope research and communicate results.
• Plan budgets, scheduling, and manage vendors and statements of work.
• Mentor engineers and drive multiple electro‑optic projects to completion.

Skills

Team leadership

Independent work

Systems engineering

OE/IR systems

Metamaterial designs

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Research & Development Engineer to join the EOE Division in State College, PA. You will lead basic and applied research in electro‑optic designs, metasurfaces, and nano‑material concepts, collaborating with a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

You will interface with sponsors and end‑users, develop executable plans, and guide architecture trade studies while planning budgets and schedules.