Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) Systems Engineer

About the role

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).

Responsibilities

• Take on challenges where the path the research may take is not clear, and the outcome is not known or guaranteed.
• Part of the team leadership that operates in this ambiguous space and develops the executable plan for the rest of the team.
• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience with 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 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.

Benefits

Salary range: $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.