Department Head – Fiber Optics & Photonics Department (FACULTY) - FREEPORT, PA

The Pennsylvania State University • Freeport, PA

28d • Onsite

About The Position

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Fiber Optics & Photonics (FOP) Department. 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 Intelligence Community (IC). The FOP Department focuses on advancing the state of the art in many areas of fiber and photonic system development, including sensor components, systems analysis and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position reports to the EOE Division Head, works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location, and may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• 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
• Manufacturing and problem solving using Lean methods
• Integration in silicon, silicon nitride, III-V, lithium niobate platforms
• Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
• Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation
• 5+ years of proven supervisory or project leadership experience
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
• Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in a related field
• Significant leadership experience
• Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
• DoD photonic and fiber systems
• Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe subject to government background investigation to upgrade clearance, eligibility if required.

Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership to the Fiber Optics & Photonics Department to including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention
• Serve as a principal investigator and project manager on ARL programs, leveraging subject matter expertise in the area of fiber optics & photonics systems, electro-optics, sensors, lasers, and systems engineering to ensure successful programs
• Execution of projects involving the design and development of prototype fiber optic & photonic systems for military and intelligence community applications
• Basic and applied research of fiber optic & photonic technologies and techniques, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry, and government stakeholders to solve FOP problems and develop solutions supporting military and intelligence community customers
• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL’s position of trust and contribute to the strategic mission of the EOE Division
• Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, and supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers and technicians
• 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
• Participate and contribute to ARL's strategic plan
• Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level