Electro-Optics Materials and Device Engineer

Penn State University•University Park, IL

7d•$140,004 - $265,704•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Research & Development Engineer in the EOE Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The EOE Division focuses on developing innovative optical solutions for imaging, high-energy laser (HEL) delivery, and sensing systems, with capabilities for designing and testing optical performance. The role involves leading and conducting research on advanced electro-optical designs, including metasurfaces, photonic structures, and emerging material and nano-science applications. The position requires the ability to tackle ambiguous research challenges with uncertain outcomes. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner, welcoming transitioning military members. The working location is fully on-site in State College, PA, with periodic travel to remote locations, including the EOE Freeport Office near Pittsburgh, PA, for collaboration and testing. The role will operate as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

Requirements

Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment and meet project schedule requirements
Direct experience with the design, analysis, procurement, assembly and testing of components and complete electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems for military applications
Microelectronic systems and detector fabrication processes
Success in a multitude of optical and electrical materials and systems
Success operating as a systems engineer for imaging systems
Familiarity with photonic structures and other optical metamaterial designs approaches
Active security clearance, at the secret level, with eligibility for TS/SCI
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional)
14+ years of relevant experience (if filled as R&D Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional)

Nice To Haves

Experience within an organization responsible for manufacturing EO/IR systems
Direct experience with visible and infrared imaging system design and characterization
Strong knowledge of electro-optical metamaterial designs approaches
Radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics
Significant experience with electro-optic designs that extend the electro-optic state-of-the-art
Significant experience bringing together distributed teams to achieve multiplied results
Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level or higher

Responsibilities

Act as part of team leadership that operates in this ambiguous space and develops the executable plan for the rest of the team
Perform physics-based modeling to predict the performance of imaging system concepts and designs
Drive system level trade studies to develop architectures and allocate system level requirements across subsystems and engineering disciplines
Routinely interface with sponsors, customers, end-users, and collaborators to understand their problems, brainstorm solutions, scope research, communicate the technical aspects of research execution, and convey the significance of results
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 needs
Leverage prior first-hand experience with building and testing advanced, state-of-the-art electro-optic systems
Track the latest developments in electro-optic systems and advise on how and when to integrate them into on-going and future research opportunities.
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
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 electro-optic systems and solutions