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.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work additional information on remote work at Penn State seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Electro-Optics Center (EOC) located in Freeport PA a Division in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Photonics Research and Development Engineer with expertise in Optical Communications supporting military and intelligence community customers.

You Will:

• Perform research and development tasks in optical communications. 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 optical communication 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

• Provide technical leadership within the division for optical communications

• Chair sessions at technical conferences/meetings; participate in external seminars workshops professional societies and committees

• Independently manage multiple and/or large optical communications projects

• Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of optical communications

• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators as well as with government sponsors to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARLs position of trust and strategic mission

• Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL

Required skills and experience includes:

• 10 years experience in guided (fiber) free-space or under-sea optical communications

• Optical system design especially as it relates to free space and/or fiber optical communication systems

• Communication architectures systems protocols devices media and integration

• Hands-on prototyping and demonstration of optical and RF components links and networks

• Interfacing with collection from and diagnosis of data from hardware

• Communicate document and present results

Preferred skills and experience includes:

• A Masters degree in Engineering Physics Optics or a related field is highly desired

• Significant experience in the development and understanding of optical communication architectures systems protocols devices media and integration especially as it pertains to military applications

• Expert knowledge of current state-of-the-art systems optical propagation laser communications systems and subsystems

• Space-based payload and systems experience

• Experience with end-to-end optical remote sensor development

• Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiar with the optics vendor ecosystem

• Business development experience with government customers

• Project management and leadership

• Experience with VPI or OptSim or the like is a bonus

• An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable

Your working location will be full onsite located in Freeport PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.

MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

ARLs purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific engineering and technology problems in support of the Navy the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Intel Community (IC).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL visit our web site at .

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional addition to comprehensive medical dental and vision coverage employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information please visit our Benefits Page.

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 assault and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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 .

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines