Department Head – Advanced Optical Systems

Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory

Freeport, PA, US
Base: $109,300.00 - $219,600.00; bonus/equity: not...
Hybrid
Optical system design and tolerancing
Zemax code v tracepro fred software
Dod project management experience
The position involves providing organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department while mentoring staff on high-impact research projects

Job Summary

  • The position involves providing organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department while mentoring staff on high-impact research projects.
  • Candidates will serve as a principal investigator developing prototype electro-optical systems for military and intelligence community applications.
  • The role offers a competitive salary range up to $219,600.00 along with a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

Matching Summary

The position involves providing organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department while mentoring staff on high-impact research projects.

Salary

Base: $109,300.00 - $219,600.00; Bonus/Equity: Not specified; Benefits: Comprehensive medical dental vision retirement paid time off 75% tuition discount

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • Optical system design and tolerancing
  • Zemax CODE V TracePro FRED software
  • DoD project management experience
  • Stray light thermal performance MTF analysis
  • Coating and optics fabrication techniques

Nice-to-have

  • Emerging optical metasurfaces expertise
  • Gradient-index lens design knowledge
  • Broadband optical system experience
  • Systems engineering training background
  • Classified information access eligibility

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering
  • Minimum ten years managing sensor command and control projects
  • At least five years of supervisory or project leadership experience
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Ability to obtain government security clearance at Secret level or higher

Work Rights

Must have US citizenship

Tailored Resume

Cover Letter