Optical Communications Engineer - Applied Research Laboratory at the Penn State University : Job Details

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Electro-Optics Center (EOC), located in Freeport PA, a Division in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University, is seeking engineers with expertise in Optical Communications, supporting military and intelligence community customers.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform research and development tasks in optical communications
• Communicate and document results in reports and presentations
• Assist with development of proposals for projects
• Lead project efforts

Higher-level responsibilities include:

• Assist in new concept development; analyzing alternatives independently and applying engineering techniques and procedures to assignments
• Manage projects of small or moderate size and scope, making substantial contributions
• Provide technical leadership within the division for optical communications
• May chair sessions at technical conferences/meetings; participate in external seminars, workshops, professional societies and committees
• Independently manage multiple and/or large optical communications projects

This position will be filled as a level 3 or level 4 depending upon the successful candidate's education and experience. Typically requires a Master's Degree in an Engineering or Science discipline and five years related experience for a level 3. Additional experience, education, and/or competencies are required for higher-level positions.

Required skills and experience includes:

• Two years or more experience in guided (fiber), free-space or under-sea optical communications
• Familiar with 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
• Ability to clearly communicate, document, and present results

Preferred skills and experience includes:

• A Master's degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, or a related field is highly desired
• Significant development of communication architectures, systems, protocols, devices, media, and integration - as used in military platforms
• Aware of current progress and advanced experience in optical propagation, laser communications systems and subsystems, associated transceivers and waveforms
• 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
• An active Secret security clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI is highly desirable

You must submit a cover letter of interest and a resume to be considered for this position.

Some travel will be required.

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Candidate selected will be subject to a government security investigation. Employment with the Applied Research Laboratory will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

The Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are better when we draw on diverse perspectives as part of our work.