Optical Systems Engineer

2 weeks ago

University Park, United States Penn State University Full time

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

POSITION OVERVIEW:


We are seeking a skilled Optical Engineer to become a part of our Opto-Mechanical Systems Division at Penn State University. This role is pivotal in advancing High Energy Laser (HEL) and other electro-optical (EO) system development initiatives.

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State is dedicated to creating innovative solutions for pressing national challenges, particularly in support of the Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and Intelligence Community.

As an Optical Engineer, you will collaborate with a diverse team of scientists and engineers engaged in a variety of applied research and development projects focused on lasers, sensors, and electro-optical technologies.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, assemble, and align opto-mechanical components and subsystems for cutting-edge HEL, imaging, and EO systems.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot optical designs using software tools such as Zemax, TracePro, Sigfit, and MATLAB, ensuring optimal image quality and stray light management.
  • Collaborate with mechanical engineering teams to evaluate performance under varying conditions, including temperature, vibration, and inertial loads, and iteratively refine designs to meet specifications.
  • Specify optical parameters and coatings for production; liaise with vendors regarding requirements and manufacturability.
  • Understand laser beam and sensor performance in real-world optical environments, utilizing physical optical modeling tools.
  • Integrate and test at both component and system levels using interferometers, imaging systems, and various data acquisition instruments.
  • Conduct field evaluations of optical systems at sponsor facilities and outdoor testing ranges.
  • Contribute to the technical development of a wide array of novel electro-optical systems.
  • Support the maturation of technologies through field-testable prototypes, transitioning them into deployable products.
  • Assist in operationalizing techniques through data analysis, laboratory experimentation, and field-testing activities.
  • Engage in new concept developments, independently analyzing alternatives and applying engineering methodologies to assignments.
  • Manage small to moderate-sized projects, making significant contributions to their success.
  • Document your work through comprehensive reports, contribute to the preparation of papers and presentations, and engage in relevant technical conferences to network with peers and stakeholders.


This position may be filled at either the advanced or senior professional level, depending on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience.

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Science discipline, along with five years of relevant experience, is required for the advanced professional level. Additional experience and/or education are necessary for higher-level roles.


Advanced Responsibilities:

  • Assist in formulating project plans for new initiatives, collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to identify challenges and propose solutions.
  • Provide technical leadership within the department for HEL, imaging, and EO programs and initiatives.
  • May lead sessions at technical conferences/meetings and participate in external seminars, workshops, and professional societies.
  • Independently manage multiple and/or large optical engineering projects.

Required Skills and Experience:

  • A minimum of five years of experience in developing laser and/or electro-optical systems.
  • Practical laboratory experience with optical components, including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, cameras, and opto-mechanical accessories.
  • Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax, Code V, or TracePro.
  • Familiarity with optical materials used in HEL and imaging applications across various wavelengths.
  • Knowledge of optical instrumentation, including interferometers, spectrometers, and detectors.
  • Experience in specifying and integrating components for electro-optical system development.
  • Familiarity with laser diagnostic equipment, including power meters, beam profiling, thermal imaging, and wavefront sensors.
  • Understanding of atmospheric monitoring and compensation concepts.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to document and present results clearly.
  • Proven ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, adapting to evolving requirements.
  • Eligibility for Secret Clearance.
  • Willingness to travel, occasionally up to 50%, to support programs.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

  • A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desirable.
  • In-depth understanding of opto-mechanics and atmospheric propagation models related to high energy laser applications.
  • Significant experience with optical design software and opto-mechanical design techniques, utilizing tools such as Solidworks.
  • Capability to design and optimize optical systems for HEL and imaging applications.
  • Proficiency in analyzing and troubleshooting optical designs.
  • Familiarity with motion control systems and data acquisition hardware/software, including Labview and Matlab.
  • Knowledge of current optics fabrication techniques and limitations.
  • Experience in developing and deploying optical systems for military applications.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with senior audiences effectively.
  • An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable.
Work location is at the Electro-Optics & Electronics Division. A cover letter of interest and a resume are required for consideration.


ARL at Penn State is a key player in one of the nation's leading research universities, serving as a center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies, with a focus on naval missions and related areas.

You will undergo a government security investigation, and U.S. citizenship is required for application. Employment with ARL will necessitate successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.


ARL is committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing this as essential to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).

Our greatest achievements arise from leveraging the talents of all segments of society, with diverse perspectives enriching our workforce.

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