Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer

Penn State University • Freeport, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer to join our Sensors, Signals, and Software Department in the Electro-Optics and Electronics division located in Freeport PA. This department supports DoD acquisitions through electro-optics, electronics, and software trade space definition, exploration, and reduction to inform next generation DoD architectures and capabilities. This spans research in the form of modeling, extensive prototyping, and both functional and environmental test.

Requirements

• Past success with the design, analysis, procurement, assembly and test of complete electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for military applications.
• Infrared imaging system experience is a must.
• Radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics.
• Software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.).
• Real-time image processing.
• Laser Range Finders, LiDAR, and other laser systems.
• Specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters.
• Proficient in a discipline core to the design and development of imaging systems prior to transitioning to a system role.
• Operating as a systems engineer for imaging systems.
• Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces.
• Past success with visible and infrared imaging system design and characterization.
• Strong knowledge of electro-optical assembly methods including tolerancing and alignments.
• Good working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensors.
• Familiarity with lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages.
• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science.
• 19+ years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

• Skills in the use of requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS.
• Familiarity with sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods.
• Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Responsibilities

• Perform physics-based modeling to predict the performance of imaging system concepts and designs, such as through the use of the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) and MODTRAN.
• Drive system level trade studies to develop architectures and allocate system level requirements across subsystems and engineering disciplines.
• Be heavily involved in camera selection and evaluation covering the full spectrum of visible, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR) infrared.
• Lead a team on all aspects of system test (lab, environmental, and field testing) including authoring test plans, identification of the appropriate test equipment, and execution of the tests themselves.
• Leverage prior first-hand experience with building and testing imaging systems to help the team avoid the traditional pitfalls in imaging designs and instead focus that energy towards the high-risk research components.
• Routinely interface with sponsors, customers, and end-users to understand their problems, brainstorm solutions, scope research, communicate the technical aspects of research execution, and convey the significance of results.
• Track the latest developments in imaging cameras, physics-based modeling, and imaging improvement / enhancement techniques and advise on how and when to integrate them into on-going and future research opportunities.
• Devise, plan, and lead projects solving extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products or technologies.
• 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.
• Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, mentor and advise the work of staff scientists, engineers and technicians.
• Provide input to the strategic direction of the division’s research pursuits by helping to establish the appropriate core competencies and evaluating where our capabilities best align with a sponsor’s needs.
• Perform project planning, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Manage vendors and suppliers, from purchase orders through statements of work.
• Lead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations.
• Provide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO/IR programs and initiatives.
• Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects.
• Develop and propose solutions for new applications.
• Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art imaging systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base.
• 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• Generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

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