Optical Engineer 3-4

Company: Penn State University
Location: Freeport
Posted on: March 20, 2023

Job Description:

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      JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
      
      We are searching for experienced Optical Engineer to join our Opto-Mechanical 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 electro-optical (EO) system development programs. ARL/Penn State's 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 multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving lasers, sensors, and electro-optical technology.
      
      Responsibilities include:
      • Design, assemble, and align opto-mechanical components and sub-systems 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 manufacture-ability
      • 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 electro-optical systems
      • Contribute to desk/bench-top development, maturing technologies through field-testable prototypes and transitioning them into field-deployable products
      • Support operationalization of techniques through data analysis, lab experimentation and field-testing 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 as a Level 3 or 4 depending upon the successful candidate's 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 a level 3. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher-level positions.
        
        Higher-level 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 electro-optical systems
          • Hands-on laboratory experience with optical components including lasers, lenses, mirrors, coatings, optical detectors, cameras, and opto-mechanical 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 electro-optical 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 Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired
            • An exceptional understanding of opto-mechanics, 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 opto-mechanical 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 Electro-Optics & 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 pre-employment 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 of our workforce.
              
              FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
              
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              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.
              
              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 applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, 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 814-865-1473.
              
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Keywords: Penn State University, Pittsburgh , Optical Engineer 3-4, Engineering , Freeport, Pennsylvania