Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer
PennState University · Electro-Optics Center in Freeport, PA ·
- Work mode
- Hybrid
- Employment
- Full time
- Category
- Software engineering
- Experience
- 5+ years
PennState University · Electro-Optics Center in Freeport, PA ·
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
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. We are seeking an experienced Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer to join our Sensors, Signals, and Software Department in the Electro-Optics and Electronics division located in Freeport PA (just outside of Pittsburgh).
This department supports DoD acquisitions through electro-optics, electronics, and software trade space definition, exploration, and reduction to inform next generation DoD architectures and capabilities. This spans research in the form of modeling, extensive prototyping, and both functional and environmental test. You will work with a small, multi-disciplinary team of optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers performing a wide range of applied research and development projects involving imaging systems ranging from handheld and battery operated, to systems mounted on ships with cranes, to aircraft targeting systems.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
Take on challenges where the path the research may take is not clear, and the outcome is not known or guaranteed. You will be part of the team leadership that operates in this ambiguous space and develops the executable plan for the rest of the team
Perform physics-based modeling to predict the performance of imaging system concepts and designs, such as through the use of the Night Vision Integrated Performance Model (NV-IPM) and MODTRAN. Execution of these analyses are supported by a deep understanding of the underlying environmental, atmospheric, optics, imager, and human components that the model represents
Drive system level trade studies to develop architectures and allocate system level requirements across subsystems and engineering disciplines
Be heavily involved in camera selection and evaluation covering the full spectrum of visible, shortwave (SWIR), midwave (MWIR), and longwave (LWIR) infrared
Lead the team on all aspects of system test (lab, environmental, and field testing) including authoring test plans, identification of the appropriate test equipment, and execution of the tests themselves
Leverage prior first-hand experience with building and testing imaging systems to help the team avoid the traditional pitfalls in imaging designs and instead focus that energy towards the high-risk research components
Routinely interface with sponsors, customers, and end-users to understand their problems, brainstorm solutions, scope research, communicate the technical aspects of research execution, and convey the significance of results
Track the latest developments in imaging cameras, physics-based modeling, and imaging improvement / enhancement techniques and advise on how and when to integrate them into on-going and future research opportunities
Provide input to the strategic direction of the department’s research pursuits by helping to establish the appropriate core competencies and evaluating where our capabilities best align with a sponsor’s need
Additional responsibilities of the higher-level include:
Perform project planning, budgeting, and scheduling
Manage vendors and suppliers, from purchase orders through statements of work
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/IR programs and initiatives
Independently manage multiple and/or large electro-optic projects
Develop and propose solutions for new applications
Perform the role of Trusted Agent to the government to assess and validate state-of-the art imaging systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base
Required skills and experience include:
Direct experience with the design, analysis, procurement, assembly and test of complete electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) imaging systems for military applications
Infrared imaging system experience is a must
Proficient in a discipline core to the design and development of imaging systems prior to transitioning to a system role
Experience operating as a systems engineer for imaging systems
Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces
Direct experience with visible and infrared imaging system design and characterization
Strong knowledge of electro-optical assembly methods including tolerancing and alignments
Good working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensors
Familiarity with lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages
Preferred skills and experience include:
Experience within an organization responsible for manufacturing EO/IR systems
Skills in the use of requirements management tools such as DOORS or Jama
Experience with radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics
Experience with software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.)
Experience with real-time image processing
Familiarity with Laser Range Finders, LiDAR, and other laser systems
Familiarity with the specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters
Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty
Familiarity with opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS
Familiarity with sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods
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 a 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) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ 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 .
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 $121,704.00 - $231,000.00.
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.
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