Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division, located in Freeport, PA. This position will support our imaging and other electro-optical system development programs where you will work with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists and engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving sensors, lasers, and electro-optical (EO) technology. The mission of the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) 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.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Be responsible for novel and complex optical designs from concept through deployment
Design and tolerance optical lens systems to meet performance requirements
Perform analysis to validate performance of optical systems – stray light, thermal, MTF, distortion, vignetting, etc.
Collaborate with other team members on: opto-mechanical designs, athermalization, imaging sensors, alignment, image processing, prototyping, test, analysis, and evaluation.
Support field-testing of imaging systems
Contribute to proposals, reports, and presentations
Additional responsibilities of the higher-level include:
Perform systems engineering, project planning, budgeting, and scheduling
Lead other engineers in day-to-day tasking to satisfy stakeholder’s requirements and expectations
Provide technical leadership within the department for imaging and EO programs and initiatives
Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects
Develop and propose solutions for new applications
Plan, organize, and lead field tests events
Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art EO systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base
Required skills and experience include:
Proficient in design of optics for imaging applications including infrared
Substantial experience with optical design and analysis software (Zemax, CODE V, Trace Pro, FRED, etc.)
Knowledge of current coating and optics fabrication techniques and limitations
Strong knowledge of optical assembly and alignment methods
Good working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensors
Preferred skills and experience include:
Design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systems
Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces
Real-time image processing
Radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics
Microcontroller programming
Software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.)
Infrared systems design and performance test methods.
Developing and fielding optical systems for military applications
Laser systems
Specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters
Lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages
Statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty
Opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS
Specifying, using, and tuning motion control systems
Sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods
Designing to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirements
LiDAR principals and devices
Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques
Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe subject to government background investigation to upgrade clearance, eligibility if required
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
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None
ARL’s 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 www.arl.psu.edu .
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.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In 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 814-865-1473.
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
