Senior Electro-Optic Systems Engineer for Imaging & Metamaterials

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

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks an R&D Engineer to lead projects in optical and electro‑optic systems, including metasurfaces and photonic structures. You will model performance, perform system‑level studies, and collaborate with sponsors to align research with mission needs.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, deep EO/IR understanding, and experience with state-of-the-art electro‑optic technologies, with security clearance eligibility.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in ambiguous research spaces and developing executable plans.
• Physics-based modeling to predict imaging system performance.
• Experience performing system-level trade studies and allocating requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers in an ambiguous R&D space and set project direction.
• Model imaging system concepts to predict performance and feasibility.
• Conduct system-level trade studies to define architectures and allocate subsystems requirements.
• Interface with sponsors, customers, end-users, and collaborators to scope research and communicate results.
• Contribute to strategic direction by aligning capabilities with sponsor needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Physics-based modeling

System-level trade studies

Sponsors interaction

Security clearance

Electro-optics systems

Metamaterials

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks an R&D Engineer to lead projects in optical and electro‑optic systems, including metasurfaces and photonic structures. You will model performance, perform system‑level studies, and collaborate with sponsors to align research with mission needs.

Ideal candidates have strong leadership, deep EO/IR understanding, and experience with state-of-the-art electro‑optic technologies, with security clearance eligibility.