New

Department Head - Fiber Optics & Photonics Department (FACULTY) - FREEPORT, PA

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Freeport
Feb 02, 2026
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. Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Fiber Optics & Photonics (FOP) Department. 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). The FOP Department focuses on advancing the state of the art in many areas of fiber and photonic system development, including sensor components, systems analysis and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position reports to the EOE Division Head, works out of ARL's Freeport, PA location, and may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. Responsibilities include: Provide organizational leadership to the Fiber Optics & Photonics Department to including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention Serve as a principal investigator and project manager on ARL programs, leveraging subject matter expertise in the area of fiber optics & photonics systems, electro-optics, sensors, lasers, and systems engineering to ensure successful programs Execution of projects involving the design and development of prototype fiber optic & photonic systems for military and intelligence community applications Basic and applied research of fiber optic & photonic technologies and techniques, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry, and government stakeholders to solve FOP problems and develop solutions supporting military and intelligence community customers 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 contribute to the strategic mission of the EOE Division Higher level responsibilities include: Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, and supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers and technicians Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches Devise, plan, and lead projects on extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or addresses broad design issues of future products or technologies Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation Participate and contribute to ARL's strategic plan Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience. Required skills and experience includes: A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing fiber optic & photonic or related projects Experience working on and managing projects for DoD applications Broad understanding of photonic and fiber design options as it relates to DoD system applications Substantial knowledge / awareness in the following- Network architectures, communication protocols, sensors and sensor systems, optical transmission, materials and devices Prototyping, packaging, demonstration, characterization of photonics components and systems Manufacturing and problem solving using Lean methods Integration in silicon, silicon nitride, III-V, lithium niobate platforms Developing trends in optical communications, sensors, security, computing Outstanding verbal and written communications skills Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation 5+ years of proven supervisory or project leadership experience Preferred areas include (but not required): An advanced degree in a related field Significant leadership experience Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training DoD photonic and fiber systems Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe subject to government background investigation to upgrade clearance, eligibility if required. Your working location will be full onsite located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be direct to the hiring manager during the interview process. 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. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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 ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines