Part-Time Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University•Freeport, PA

1d•Hybrid

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 is seeking a Senior, Part-Time, Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer. This role involves advancing the state of the art in optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements to enhance warfighter capability. The position is located at ARL’s Freeport, PA location. 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.
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 network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices.
Substantial knowledge/awareness in prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems.
Substantial knowledge/awareness in developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing.
Outstanding verbal and written communications skills.
Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
Must participate in the ARL drug testing program.
Must comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.

Nice To Haves

A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired.
Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training.
Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystem.
Business development experience with government customers.
Possession of an active secret (or higher) security clearance.
Significant experience with Navy photonic and fiber systems.

Responsibilities

Perform research and development tasks in fiber-optical applications, including system-based analysis, prototype development, and testing.
Communicate and document results in reports and presentations.
Assist with the development of proposals for projects.
Assist in new concept development, analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments.
Lead fiber-optic-related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions.
Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects.
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.