New

High Energy Laser Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time
United States, Pennsylvania, Freeport
May 16, 2025
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday. If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are searching for a Principal High Energy Laser (HEL) Engineer to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. You would join a team advancing the state of the art in multiple areas of high energy laser system development and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: Lead the development, integration, and evaluation of high power laser systems and sensors Perform engineering work related to high power laser, electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems across a broad application space Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of high energy laser systems and sensors Provide project updates to sponsors, present research findings at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals, as requested Interact and collaborate regularly with program management, program sponsors and stakeholders Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL's position of trust and strategic mission Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL Foster an environment of collaboration across the department, division, office, and ARL Required skills/experience areas include: All aspects of high energy laser system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them Conceptualizing, developing, testing and fielding solutions that employ a broad range of electro-optical and infrared technologies including laser, communications, and imaging systems Expert knowledge of existing and emerging warfighter needs in the area of high energy laser systems Experience supporting DoD (Department of Defense) acquisition and/or sustainment programs Demonstrated success leading a team of engineers/scientists Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture Excellent presentation skills and effective written and oral communication Proven track record of developing and growing business Preferred skills/experience areas include: Familiarity with the application of electro-optics and high energy laser technologies in support of defense manufacturing and the industrial base Active government security clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI Your working location will be on-site, located in Freeport, PA. A hybrid work schedule may be possible. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intelligence Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure 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. CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here. EEO IS THE LAW Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. 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