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

Photonics Research and Development Engineer

Freeport, PA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$142K/yr - $220K/yr

19+ years exp

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Photonics Research and Development Engineer with expertise in Optical Communications to support military and intelligence community customers. The role involves performing research and development tasks, leading projects, and providing technical leadership within the division.

Universities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Perform research and development tasks in optical communications. These include system-based analysis tasks as well as prototype development and testing

Communicate and document results in reports and presentations

Assist with development of proposals for projects

Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments

Lead optical communication related projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions

Engage with government customers to identify opportunities and provide potential solutions that lead to funded projects

Provide technical leadership within the division for optical communications

Chair sessions at technical conferences/meetings; participate in external seminars, workshops, professional societies and committees

Independently manage multiple and/or large optical communications projects

Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of optical communications

Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL’s position of trust and strategic mission

Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL

Qualification

Optical communicationsOptical system designCommunication architecturesHands-on prototypingData diagnosisBusiness developmentProject managementProposal developmentTechnical leadershipCommunication skills

Required

10+ year's experience in guided (fiber), free-space or under-sea optical communications

Optical system design, especially as it relates to free space and/or fiber optical communication systems

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

Communicate, document, and present results

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

19+ years of relevant experience

Preferred

A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired

Significant experience in the development and understanding of optical communication architectures, systems, protocols, devices, media, and integration – especially as it pertains to military applications

Expert knowledge of current state-of-the-art systems, optical propagation, laser communications systems and subsystems

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

Experience with VPI or OptSim or the like is a bonus

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