Optical Systems Engineer
Laurel, MD

Job Description

The Electro-Optical and Infrared (EO/IR) Seeker Hardware Systems Group of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory's (APL) Air and Missile Defense Sector engages in innovative research, development, design, fabrication, test, evaluation and analysis of sensors, seekers and instrumentation systems for a broad range of applications. Team members are able to develop their technical depth and breadth by solving relevant, real-world problems involving a wide range of technology including IR missile seekers, EO/IR imaging systems, fiber-optic and planar waveguide-based sensors, telemetry systems, hardware-in-the-loop testing, cryogenic vacuum space test chambers, scene rendering computing systems and scene projection systems.

Job Summary:

Work with a team of engineers and scientists to design, develop, integrate, test or evaluate electro-optical systems for defense-related projects. Work hands-on with optical equipment and instrumentation in the laboratory to collect and analyze data. Formally document and present results.

Duties (Listed in order of importance with the estimated amount of time spent at each task):

* Design experiments, perform laboratory measurements and analyze data to understand and characterize the performance of EO systems. (25%)
* Design and develop systems that either test EO system functions or serve as prototypes for desired capabilities. (25%)
* Assist with the design or construction of optical instrumentation for laboratory and/or field applications. (20%)
* Assist with developing models of EO system performance. (15%)
* Document results of development or testing and provide briefs to sponsors. (10%)
* Monitor emerging EO/IR technologies and look for potential future applications. (5%)

Note: This job summary and listing of duties is for the purpose of describing the position and its essential functions at time of hire and may change over time.

Required Qualifications:

B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optics or related field.

Two or more years of hands-on optics laboratory experience.

Experience with design, development, integration, test or analysis of complex optical sensor systems.

Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, C/C or LabVIEW.

Ability to obtain and maintain Secret or high security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Optical or closely related fields.

Four or more years of experience of hands-on optics laboratory work.

Experience with optical test and measurement equipment, and executing experiments via computer control.

Experience with MATLAB, Python and/or LabVIEW. Experience with a high-level programming language such as C or C .

Experience with one or more of the following: IR focal plane arrays, visible (CCD or CMOS) focal plane arrays, or optical system design using a modeling tool such as ZEMAX or CODE V.

Vacuum cryogenic experience.

Special Working Conditions: Working in closed areas with classified equipment. Occasional travel and work at military facilities requiring occasional work outside of and in excess of normal working hours.

Security: Applicant selected will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Benefits: APL offers a comprehensive benefits package including a liberal vacation plan, a matching retirement program, significant educational assistance, a scholarship tuition program for staff with dependents, and competitive salaries commensurate with skills and experience. For more information about our organization, please visit our web site at www.jhuapl.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Johns Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments Acts of 1972, as well as other applicable laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.