Optical Engineer

Reference #: REQ0000039784

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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 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 multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving lasers, sensors, and electro-optical technology.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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 your 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 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 initiat ves
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 Masters 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 t