Part-Time Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University•Freeport, PA

12d•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. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of 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 the following- Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices
Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems
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 be able to 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. These include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testing.
Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
Assist with 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