Part-Time Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; Freeport (PA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s ARL is seeking a Senior, Part-Time Fiber-Optic Applications R&D Engineer for the Freeport, PA location. You will advance optical system development and contribute to government-funded projects through prototype work and analysis.

This role emphasizes coordinating cross-disciplinary R&D, leading fiber-optic initiatives, and engaging with DoD customers to identify opportunities, with remote/hybrid work having limited guarantees.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering with 10+ years in fiber optic & photonic projects.
• Experience working on DoD applications.
• Knowledge of photonic and fiber design for DoD systems.
• Understanding of network architectures, sensors, optical transmission.
• Experience prototyping and testing photonics components and systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to transition technology from lab to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Perform R&D tasks in fiber-optical applications including prototype development and testing.
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations.
• Assist with development of proposals for projects.
• Lead fiber-optic projects of small to moderate size and scope.
• Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide solutions.
• Coordinate R&D activities between disciplines; define scope and select problems for investigation.
• Plan and lead projects on complex problems impacting current or future products.
• Propose and lead new initiatives with national or international significance.

Skills

Fiber optics

Photonic systems

DoD programs

Communications

Documentation

Prototyping

Lab-to-implementation

Verbal communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is seeking a Senior, Part-Time, Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL's Freeport, PA location.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

You will:

• Perform research and development tasks in fiber-optical applications. These include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testing.
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
• Assist with development of proposals for projects
• Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
• Lead fiber-optic-related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
• Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches
• Devise, plan, and lead projects on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies
• Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing fiber optic & photonic or related projects
• Experience working on and managing projects for DoD applications
• Broad understanding of photonic and fiber design options as it relates to DoD system applications
• Substantial knowledge / awareness in the following-
• Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices
• Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems
• Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation

Preferred Skills/Experienced areas include:

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired
• Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
• Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystem
• Business development experience with government customers
• Possession of an active secret (or higher) security clearance
• Significant experience with Navy photonic and fiber systems

Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site located in Freeport, PA.Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

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.

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.

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