Research and Development Image Scientist

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 202,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks an Image Scientist to join the Image Science and Computer Vision team in State College, PA. You will design, build, test, and integrate solutions across defense, law enforcement, and disaster response.

You will model imaging chains for EO/SAR, conduct experiments, and lead research efforts from concept to production, while communicating results to sponsors and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Model imaging systems and the image formation process in EO or SAR.
• Lead imaging-system R&D programs and demonstrate leadership capabilities.
• Independent research and high-quality documentation of findings.
• Design of experiments and meaningful metrics to measure results.
• Execution of specific research projects and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to convey ideas clearly.
• Ability to present ideas effectively to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead programs and be part of a highly collaborative team.
• Support scientific research projects by summarizing current research and application materials.
• Model the imaging chain for sensing modalities and platforms across applications.
• Apply the scientific method across disciplines to develop system analytics through experiments.
• Capture information from geospatial data to represent world events and entities.
• Grow career, conduct applied research, report results, and advise on new tech.
• Engage in research from proof-of-concept to production-ready systems.

Skills

Imaging systems modeling

Imaging RD leadership

Research & documentation

Design of experiments

Project execution

Communication skills

Idea articulation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science

Master’s degree or higher

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking an Image Scientist to join our Image Science and Computer Vision team of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This team advances the state-of-the-art in image processing, computer vision, and computational imaging. You will work with a diverse engineering team to design, build, test, and/or integrate solutions to problems in the area of defense, law enforcement, security, disaster relief, human geography, disaster preparedness, and first response. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

• Lead programs and be part of a highly collaborative team
• Support scientific research projects by summarizing current research and application materials
• Model the imaging chain for many sensing modalities and platforms across a wide array of applications
• Apply the scientific method across multiple disciplines to engineering and geospatial sciences and develop system analytics through organized experimentation
• Develop the ability to discover and capture information from geospatial data to better represent the most advanced understanding of world events, systems, and discrete entities
• Grow career and capabilities, Plan and conduct applied research, provide technical guidance, report results, foster trusted relationships with sponsors, lead small-to-medium research efforts, and advise on new and evolving technology and techniques
• Engage in research efforts ranging from proof-of-concept through integrated production systems

Required skills / experience areas

• Subject matter expertise in modeling imaging systems and the image formation process in EO and/or SAR
• Support of imaging system research and development programs, and demonstrated leadership capabilities
• Independent research and high-quality documentation of findings to communicate to a diverse team
• Design of experiments, analysis, and design or apply meaningful metrics to measure results
• Execution of specific research projects and meet task deadlines and goals
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding

Preferred skills / experience areas

• Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field of study
• Writing and executing scripts in Python, R, Java, MATLAB, or some other broadly accessible language
• Support of DoD/IC research programs

Your work location will fully on-site located in State College, PA but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

• If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None
• If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None

ARL’s Purpose

ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

• Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
• This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties.
• A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
• 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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $115,860.00 - $202,464.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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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About Penn State

There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our 100,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom – it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. Our ideals stem from our origins as Pennsylvania’s sole land-grant institution, which allow us to continue to bring positive impact to humanity through our teaching, research, and engagement mission. And across the world is a community of Penn Staters – more than half a million strong – driven by that same spirit to serve our local and global communities. At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.