Optical Systems Engineer - FREEPORT, PA

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Optical Systems Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division, located in Freeport, PA. This position supports our imaging and other electro-optical system development programs.

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

Requirements

• 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.)
• Strong knowledge of optical assembly and alignment methods
• Good working knowledge of physics, electro-mechanical devices and imaging sensors

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Design, analysis, and test of complete imaging systems
• Knowledge of various focal plane arrays types, imaging sensors, camera specifications, and video interfaces
• Real-time image processing
• Radiometry (analysis and laboratory measurements), development of link budgets, prediction of sensor response, and image quality metrics
• Microcontroller programming
• Software tools for instrument control, data analysis, and image processing (LabVIEW, MATLAB, ImageJ, Python, Open CV, etc.)
• Infrared systems design and performance test methods
• Developing and fielding optical systems for military applications
• Laser systems
• Specification and use of optical components such as dichroic filters, polarizers, beam splitters, lasers, fast steering mirrors, and shutters
• Lab instrumentation and tools such as oscilloscopes, integrating spheres, spectroradiometers, interferometers, light sources, motion stages
• Statistical analysis tools and methods to establish measurement uncertainty
• Opto-mechanical design techniques leveraging mechanical design tools such as SOLIDWORKS
• Specifying, using, and tuning motion control systems
• Sensors for the measurement of physical properties (IMUs, ultrasonic, proximity, photoelectric, temperature, etc.) and signal conditioning methods
• Designing to meet military or automotive environmental and reliability requirements
• LiDAR principals and devices
• Knowledge of machine vision algorithms and image processing techniques

Benefits

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.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $140,004.00 - $265,704.00.

Schedule

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Qualifications

• 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
• If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Optical and Photonic Systems (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience

Skills

Required Certifications: None

Benefits

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.

Contact Information

For further information on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.