Optical Communications Engineer

Reference #: REQ0000015846

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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The Electro-Optics Center (EOC), located in Freeport PA, a Division in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, is seeking engineers with expertise in Optical Communications, supporting military and intelligence community customers.

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

Responsibilities include:
Perform research and development tasks in optical communications
Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
Assist with development of proposals for projects
Lead project efforts

Higher-level responsibilities include:
Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
Provide technical leadership within the division for optical communications
May chair sessions at technical conferences/meetings; participate in external seminars, workshops, professional societies and committees
Independently manage multiple and/or large optical communications projects

This position will be filled at the advanced or senior professional level, depending upon the successful candidates education and experience. Minimally requires a Masters Degree in an Engineering or Science discipline and five years related experience for the advanced professional level.  Additional experience, education, and/or competencies are required for higher-level positions.

Required skills and experience includes:
Two years or more experience in guided (fiber), free-space or under-sea optical communications
Familiar with 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
Ability to clearly 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 development of communication architectures, systems, protocols, devices, media, and integration – as used in military platforms
Aware of current progress and advanced experience in optical propagation, laser communications systems and subsystems, associated transceivers and waveforms
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
An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable
You must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume to be considered for this position.

Some travel will be required.

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation.  Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.  We believe this is centr l to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are better when we draw on diverse perspectives as part of our work.

The pay range for this position, including all possible grades is:
$109,300.00 – $191,000.00

Salary 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 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.

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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 814-865-1473.