Optical Systems Engineer

Penn State University • University Park, PA

93d • $109,300 - $191,000

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join our Sensors Signals and Software Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This position will support our imaging and other electro-optical system development programs. ARL/Penn State's mission 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. You will work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving sensors, lasers, and electro-optical technology. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Proficient in design of optics for imaging applications including infrared.
• Substantial experience with optical design and analysis software (Zemax, CODE V, Trace Pro, FRED, etc.).
• Knowledge of current coating and optics fabrication techniques and limitations.
• Strong knowledge of optical assembly and alignment methods.
• Good working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensors.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systems.
• Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces.
• Experience with real-time image processing.
• Experience with radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics.
• Microcontroller programming.
• Experience with software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.).
• Experience with infrared systems design and performance test methods.
• Experience developing and fielding optical systems for military applications.
• Familiarity with laser systems.
• Familiarity with the specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters.
• Familiarity with lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages.
• Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty.
• Familiarity with opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS.
• Experience specifying, using, and tuning motion control systems.
• Familiarity with sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods.
• Experience designing to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirements.
• Familiarity with LiDAR principals and devices.
• Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques.
• An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for novel and complex optical designs from concept through deployment.
• Design and tolerance optical lens systems to meet performance requirements.
• Perform analysis to validate performance of optical systems - stray light, thermal, MTF, distortion, vignetting, etc.
• Collaborate with other team members on: opto-mechanical designs, athermalization, imaging sensors, alignment, image processing, prototyping, test, analysis, and evaluation.
• Support field-testing of imaging systems.
• Contribute to proposals, reports, and presentations.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree