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

Penn State University • Freeport, PA

7d • $121,704 - $231,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The mission of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is to develop innovative solutions to challenging national problems in support of Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and Intelligence Community research, engineering and technology needs. We are seeking an experienced 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 (just outside of Pittsburgh). 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. You will work with a small, multi-disciplinary team of optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving imaging systems ranging from handheld and battery operated, to systems mounted on ships with cranes, to aircraft targeting systems. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Direct experience 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.
• Proficient in a discipline core to the design and development of imaging systems prior to transitioning to a system role.
• Experience operating as a systems engineer for imaging systems.
• Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces.
• Direct experience 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.
• 14+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Senior Professional).
• 5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Advanced Professional).
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Nice To Haves

• Experience within an organization responsible for manufacturing EO/IR systems.
• Skills in the use of requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama.
• Experience with radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics.
• Experience with software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.).
• Experience with real-time image processing.
• Familiarity with Laser Range Finders, LiDAR, and other laser systems.
• Familiarity with the specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters.
• 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.
• Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe 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 the 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.
• Provide input to the strategic direction of the department’s research pursuits by helping to establish the appropriate core competencies and evaluating where our capabilities best align with a sponsor’s need.
• Perform project planning, budgeting, and scheduling (for higher-level role).
• Manage vendors and suppliers, from purchase orders through statements of work (for higher-level role).
• Lead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations (for higher-level role).
• Provide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO/IR programs and initiatives (for higher-level role).
• Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects (for higher-level role).
• Develop and propose solutions for new applications (for higher-level role).

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: Senior