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The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · 1 month ago

Optical Systems Engineer

Freeport, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$109K/yr - $191K/yr

5+ years exp

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join their Electro-Optics and Electronics Division. The role involves supporting imaging and electro-optical system development programs and collaborating with a multi-disciplinary team on various applied research and development projects involving sensors and lasers.

Universities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

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 imaging systems and solutions from the Defense Industrial Base

Qualification

Optical designOptical analysis softwareOptical assembly methodsImaging systems designInfrared systems designReal-time image processingMicrocontroller programmingLabVIEWMATLABField testingTeam collaborationTechnical leadershipProject management

Required

Bachelors' degree in an Engineering or Science discipline plus five years of related experience

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

Experience with design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systems

Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces

Experience with real-time image processing

Experience with radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics

Microcontroller programming

Experience with software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.)

Experience with infrared systems design and performance test methods

Experience developing and fielding optical systems for military applications

Familiarity with laser systems

Familiarity with the specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters

Familiarity with lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages

Experience with statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty

Familiarity with opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS

Experience specifying, using, and tuning motion control systems

Familiarity with sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods

Experience designing to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirements

Familiarity with LiDAR principals and devices

Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques

An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable