Optical Engineer
Optical Engineer
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$ 109300 - 191000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
We are searching for experienced Optical Engineer to join our OptoMechanical System Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University located in Freeport PA These positions will support High Energy Laser (HEL) and other electrooptical (EO) system development programs. ARL/Penn States purpose 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 multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving lasers sensors and electrooptical technology.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
Responsibilities include:
- Design assemble and align optomechanical components and subsystems for state of the art HEL imaging and EO systems
- Analyze and troubleshoot optical designs utilizing tools such as Zemax TracePro Sigfit MATLAB and others accounting for image quality stray light etc.
- Work with mechanical engineering teams to analyze performance over temperature vibration and inertial loads and iteratively modify the design to meet requirements
- Specify optical parameters and coatings for fabrication; work with vendors on requirements and manufactureability
- Familiarity with laser beam and sensor performance in real world optical conditions (atmospheric transmissivity turbulence ... using physical optical modeling tools
- Integrate and test at the component and system level using interferometers imaging systems and various data acquisition tools
- Conduct field testing of optical systems at sponsor facilities and outdoor test ranges
- Contribute to technical efforts in the development of a broad range of novel electrooptical systems
- Contribute to desk/benchtop development maturing technologies through fieldtestable prototypes and transitioning them into fielddeployable products
- Support operationalization of techniques through data analysis lab experimentation and fieldtesting activities
- Assist in new concept developments; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
- Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope making substantial contributions
- Document you work through written reports contribute to preparation of papers and presentations attend and present research at relevant technical conferences and network with colleagues and customer base
This position will be filled at the advanced or senior professional level depending upon the successful candidates education and experience. Minimally requires a Bachelors degree in an Engineering or Science discipline plus five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience for the advanced professional level. Additional experience and/or education are required for higherlevel positions.
Higherlevel responsibilities include:
- Assist in the development of project plans for new projects with internal and external stakeholders by identifying issues and solutions
- Provide technical leadership within the department for HEL imaging and EO programs and initiatives
- May chair sessions at technical conferences/meetings; participate in external seminars workshops professional societies and committees
- Independently manage multiple and/or large optical engineering optics projects
Required skills and experience includes:
- Five years or more experience developing laser and/or electrooptical systems
- Handson laboratory experience with optical components including lasers lenses mirrors coatings optical detectors cameras and optomechanical accessories including lens and mirror mounts
- Familiarity with optical design software packages such as Zemax Code V or Trace Pro
- Familiar with optical materials utilized for HEL and imaging applications over various wavebands including Visible Near Infrared Shortwave Infrared Midwave Infrared and Longwave Infrared
- Familiar with optical instrumentation including interferometers spectrometers and detectors
- Specification and integration of components for electrooptical system development
- Familiar with laser diagnostic equipment to include power meters beam profiling thermal imaging wavefront sensors etc.
- Familiarity with the concepts of atmospheric monitoring and compensation
- Ability to clearly communicate document and present results
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team and adapt to changing requirements
- Eligibility for Secret Clearance
- Travel at times up to 50 will be required/expected to support programs
Preferred skills and experience includes:
- A Masters degree in Electrical Engineering Physics Optics or a related field is highly desired
- An exceptional understanding of optomechanics atmospheric propagation models and compensation concepts/instrumentation related to high energy laser applications such as beam control wavefront sensing adaptive optics etc.
- Significant experience with optical design software packages and with optomechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as Solidworks
- Ability to design and optimize optical systems utilized for HEL and imaging systems
- Ability to analyze and troubleshoot optical designs (image quality stray light radiometry etc.
- Familiarity with motion control systems as well as data acquisition hardware and software including Labview and Matlab
- Ability to model sensor performance in real world optical conditions (atmospheric transmissivity turbulence etc.
- Knowledge of current optics fabrication techniques and limitations
- Knowledge of optical component specification and subsystem level requirements for vendors
- Experience developing and fielding optical systems for military applications
- Experience specifying and integrating components for laser system development for military customers
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills speaking with ease to very senior and large audiences
- An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable
Work location is at the ElectroOptics & Electronics Division in Freeport PA. You must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume to be considered for this position.
ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science systems and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.
You will be subject to a government security investigation and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a preemployment drug screen.
ARL is committed to diversity equity and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part ofour workforce.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL visit our web site at www.arl.psu.
The pay range for this position including all possible grades is:
$109300.00 $191000.00Salary Structure additional information on Penn States job and salary structure.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988 Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security such as those concerning alcohol and drug use crime prevention the reporting of crimes sexual and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race color religion age sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability please contact.
Employment Type
Full-Time
