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The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · 14 hours ago

Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) 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 dedicated to developing innovative solutions for national problems. They are seeking an experienced Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer to support DoD acquisitions through research, modeling, and prototyping of imaging systems.

Universities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

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

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

Qualification

EO/IR imaging systemsPhysics-based modelingSystems engineeringCamera selectionElectro-optical assemblyLab instrumentationRequirements management toolsImage processing softwareProject planningStatistical analysisTechnical leadershipSoft skills

Required

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

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional)

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience (if filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional)

Ability to obtain a government security clearance

U.S. citizenship

Preferred

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