Part-Time Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer

This position works out of the Applied Research Laboratory’s Freeport, PA location. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. U.S. citizenship is required.

About the role

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) is seeking a Senior, Part-Time, Fiber-Optic Applications Research and Development Engineer to join a team advancing the state of the art in optical system development and manufacturing technology improvements for enhanced warfighter capability.

Responsibilities

• Perform research and development tasks in fiber-optical applications, including system-based analysis, prototype development, and testing.
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations.
• Assist with development of proposals for projects.
• Assist in new concept development; analyze alternatives independently and apply engineering techniques and procedures.
• Lead fiber-optic-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.

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

• Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines, including exploration of subject areas, definition of scope, and selection of problems for investigation.
• Devise, plan, and lead projects on extremely complex problems impacting current product design or addressing broad design issues of future products or technologies.
• Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, and direct or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation.

Requirements

• A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience managing fiber optic & photonic or related projects.
• Experience working on and managing projects for DoD applications.
• Broad understanding of photonic and fiber design options as they relate to DoD system applications.
• Substantial knowledge or awareness in the following areas:
  • Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials, and devices.
  • Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, and characterization of photonic components and systems.
  • Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, and computing.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field.
• Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training.
• Current relationships with optical suppliers and familiarity with the optics vendor ecosystem.
• Business development experience with government customers.
• Possession of an active secret (or higher) security clearance.
• Significant experience with Navy photonic and fiber systems.

Schedule

This is a part-time role with a hybrid schedule combining on-site work in Freeport, PA, and remote work from home.

Security and Compliance

• Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with University policies.
• Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.
• ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information.
• Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas.