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POSITION SPECIFICS

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems (AOS) Department. AOS develops innovative optical solutions for imaging, high-energy laser delivery, and sensing systems, and maintains the design and testing capabilities required to build and fully characterize all aspects of optical performance—from image quality to HEL coating damage testing. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure-track Research Faculty member.

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

You Will:

• Provide organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department, including employee management, recruitment, development, and retention

• Mentor staff while planning and directing high-impact research projects, expanding knowledge and understanding

• Serve as a principal investigator and program manager, leveraging subject matter expertise in optical systems and applying leadership and systems engineering principles to ensure program success

• Execute projects involving the design and development of prototype electro-optical systems for military and intelligence community applications

• Conduct basic and applied research in the development, integration, and evaluation of high-performance, novel, and complex optical designs—from concept through deployment—while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry partners, and government stakeholders to solve electro-optics challenges and support military and IC customers

• Lead the development of proposals and projects that advance knowledge of high-performance optical systems

• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with manufacturers, system integrators, and government sponsors to ensure projects meet customer requirements, uphold ARL’s position of trust, and contribute to the strategic mission of the EOE Division

Higher-Level Responsibilities Include:

• Coordinate research and development activities across disciplines, including defining scope, selecting proble