Optical Engineer - EOSL | Georgia Tech Research Institute

Feb. 15, 2023

Contact Thomas Craney - Thomas.craney@gtri.gatech.edu

ID: 498029
Type: Researchers
Location: Atlanta, GA
Categories: Hardware Development/Design, Image Processing, Lidar, Mechanical Design & Analysis, Modeling/Simulation, Sensors Integration, System Engineering, IR, Sensors/Optics, Autonomous Systems, ISR & Tactical Systems, Space Systems

PROJECT/UNIT DESCRIPTION

EOSID specializes in the complete optical imaging and remote sensing chain, from the analysis, design, development, integration, test and evaluation of imaging and sensing systems, to the processing, exploitation, and visualization of data and imagery. EOSID also specializes in modeling and simulation (M&S) of high energy laser (HEL) propagation, engagements, and effects. EOSID makes critical contributions to national defense in the domains of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), directed energy (DE), and undersea warfare (USW).

JOB PURPOSE

An Optical Engineer leverages knowledge and skills from the fields of optical sciences and optics manufacturing to research, design, model, analyze, assemble, integrate, and test complex EO-IR systems for applications in imaging, remote sensing, and telecommunications. The optical engineer gathers system requirements and translates them into optical specifications, tolerances, and error budgets based on performance/capability objectives and system lifecycle. Derived requirements reflect environmental and platform challenges and constraints such as temperature, vibration, shock, humidity, etc. Performs sensitivity analysis, link budget/radiometry, pointing stability, and stray light analysis through leveraging modeling and simulation tools that also enable analysis of alternatives and trades studies activities. Determines sources for commercial and custom optical components including: lenses, mirrors, holographic optical elements, mounts, lasers, fiber-optics, adaptive optical elements, optical scanners, and metrology equipment. Designs end-to-end optical layouts, optical alignment procedures, and characterization procedures in support of implementation into final systems.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Independently layout novel optical designs based on innovative optical components and materials, or based on new techniques described in literature
  • Develops novel solutions to complex problems and pursues internal/external funding to support research & development
  • Leads small-medium sized teams that may feature members with varying areas of expertise in executing tasks and projects
  • Responsible for contributing essential content/material for project deliverables and/or leading the development of specific deliverables
  • Manages schedule and budget for tasks and projects
  • Leads development of white papers and proposals

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Draw upon experience and expertise to perform and lead research & development (R&D) activities
  • Draw upon experience and expertise to perform and lead research and development (R&D) activities aimed at applying EO/IR technologies to significant operational challenges
  • Lead and contribute to technical efforts in the analysis, construction, and design of optical systems for remote sensing applications
  • Lead R&D teams that may feature members with varying areas and levels of expertise, mentor junior researchers, and maintain schedules and budgets
  • Leads medium-large teams of junior and senior researchers spanning multiple technical disciplines to ensure completion of deliverables for major projects
  • Provides technical vision and engineering recommendations to guide sponsor decisions on R&D and program investments
  • Manages schedule and budget for tasks and projects
  • Documents work in memorandums, sponsor briefs, conference proceedings, and journal articles
  • Develop and present technical presentations for senior leadership, sponsors, and other stakeholders
  • Programmatic and technical lead of project presentations, publications, and technical reports
  • Maintains a large professional network through membership and/or leadership positions in professional organizations, government science boards, and/or government advisory panels. Through this network, influences future R&D programs.
  • Participate in business development efforts by contributing to white papers, Request for Information and Request for Proposal (RFI/RFP) responses, sponsor briefs, and by proposing new research areas suitable for internal research and development (IR&D) funding

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with active and/or passive elecro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems and sensors such as lasers, VIS/SWIR/MWIR/LWIR imagers, Avalanche Photo-Diodes (APDs), photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), hyperspectral imagers, or lidar
  • Experience with optical design and/or M&S tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, OSLO, TracePro, DIRSIG, etc.)
  • Experience in performing optical measurements and experiments
  • Experience with optomechanical tolerancing and Structural, Thermal, and Optical Performance (STOP) analysis
  • Demonstrated ability to lead optical design and development efforts
  • Demonstrated ability to provide innovative solutions to complex problems involving the design, development, or application of optical systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Experience with at least one high level programming/scripting language (e.g., Python, C/C++, MATLAB
  • Experience with high-speed image and/or signal processing techniques

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

<10% travel

EDUCATION AND LENGTH OF EXPERIENCE

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

  • 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, Astrophysics, Astronomy, or related technical field
  • 7 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, Astrophysics, Astronomy, or related technical field
  • 4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Imaging Science, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Geomatics, Civil Engineering, Astrophysics, Astronomy, or related technical field

U.S. CITIZENSHIP REQUIREMENTS

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

CLEARANCE TYPE REQUIRED

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

BENEFITS AT GTRI

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://hr.gatech.edu/benefits

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) at Georgia Tech Research Institute aims to enhance the Institute’s mission of solving the world’s most complex technical problems by creating a workforce with a shared appreciation for diversity, raising awareness around inclusiveness, and fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for all members of our community.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Georgia Tech Research Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans and actively seeks diversity among its employees. Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law.

Posted: 10/11/2022
Closes: 01/11/2023

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