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Photonics Engineer Remote Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Photonics Engineer Remote information

How do Photonics Engineers working remotely typically collaborate with hardware teams and manage hands-on tasks?

Photonics Engineers in remote roles often use virtual collaboration tools to communicate with hardware teams, share design files, and review test data. While some hands-on prototyping or testing may require occasional on-site visits or coordination with local lab technicians, much of the design, simulation, and analysis work can be done remotely. Effective communication, clear documentation, and scheduled video meetings are key to ensuring remote engineers stay aligned with physical development processes. Many organizations also provide remote access to lab equipment or partner with local facilities to facilitate testing when necessary.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer Remote vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics Engineer RemoteOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related fields; certifications like SPIE or OSA are commonBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote, collaborating via digital tools; some on-site labs or officesTypically on-site in labs or manufacturing facilities; some remote roles available
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in telecommunications, defense, and research companies; common in tech startups and R&DCommon in manufacturing, research institutions, and tech companies focusing on optics and photonics

Photonics Engineer Remote and Optical Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The main difference lies in the work environment, with Photonics Engineer Remote primarily working remotely, while Optical Engineers often work on-site. Both roles are vital in industries like telecommunications and defense, but the remote aspect offers greater flexibility for Photonics Engineers.

What does a remote photonics engineer do?

A remote photonics engineer designs, develops, and tests systems and devices that use light (photons), such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems, while working from a location outside of a traditional office. Their work typically involves tasks like simulations, designing optical components, analyzing data, and collaborating with colleagues virtually. Remote photonics engineers use specialized software to model and optimize optical systems and may also participate in virtual meetings to discuss project progress or troubleshoot issues. Communication and self-management skills are important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Photonics Engineer in a remote role, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, laser systems, and electromagnetic theory, usually backed by a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., Zemax, COMSOL), programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and possibly certifications in optics or photonics are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective remote communication are crucial soft skills for success in a distributed work environment. These abilities ensure the engineer can design innovative solutions, collaborate efficiently across distances, and deliver high-quality results in a specialized technical field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Engineer jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs in Indiana are:
Electro-Optics Electronics Deputy Division Head (FACULTY)

Electro-Optics Electronics Deputy Division Head (FACULTY)

The Pennsylvania State University

Freeport, IN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist the division head in leading and managing engineers, scientists, and support staff engaged in research, design, development, and production of complex engineering systems.

  • Work with division leadership to build and maintain relationships with sponsors and stakeholders, ensure delivery of research deliverables, and develop and execute strategic initiatives.

  • Lead in the development of proposals and projects to advance knowledge and expertise in the development and production of complex systems.


Job description

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

We are seeking a deputy division head to be located in Freeport, PA for the Electro-Optics & Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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 Intel Community (IC). This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

The mission of the EOE Division is to provide trusted agent services, industry interface, research and development, modeling and simulation, system design/fabrication/integration, testing & evaluation, manufacturing technology expertise and act as a repository of knowledge for the US Navy, and other government entities in technical areas related to electro-optics & electronics. The EOE Division is comprised of five departments: Sensors, Signals & Software; High Energy Lasers; Opto-Mechanical Systems; Fiber Optics & Photonics; and Manufacturing Technology Engineering. These departments support the mission of EOE by executing the research, design and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies supporting the strategic advancement of warfighter capability at the speed of relevance.

You will report directly to the EOE Division Head and be responsible for helping manage the division's Business Portfolio, Facilities, Research Engineers, Scientists, Technicians, and Support Personnel while providing technical and programmatic guidance to EOE Department heads. This position will 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.

You will:

  • Work closely with the Division head and Office leadership team to build and maintain trusted relationships with key sponsors and stakeholders, ensure the delivery of superior research deliverables to our sponsors, and develop and execute strategic initiatives

  • Assist division head in leading a group of engineers, scientists, and support staff that are engaged in the operational research, systems engineering, design, development and production of complex engineering systems

  • Lead in the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge and expertise in the development and production of complex systems

  • Provide project updates to sponsors and stakeholders, and lead in development of new business for potential sponsors

  • Collaborate with engineers in technical areas across ARL

  • Assist division head in overseeing the planning, staffing, and execution of programs to ensure all divisional staff and faculty are appropriately and sufficiently tasked at all times

  • Assist division head in recruiting, retaining, and defining performance expectations of departments heads and all division staff and faculty

  • Assist division head in evaluating professional growth through performance reviews

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes

  • Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems

  • Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs

  • Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes

  • Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof

  • Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations

Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • All aspects of leading individual and portfolios of research projects including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing the project, conducting the research, managing budgets, and delivering high quality results

  • All aspects of leading a research organization, including planning and managing labor across projects, managing research budgets, presenting division capabilities to sponsors, and hiring, coaching and mentoring employees

  • Superior writing and presentation skills

  • Demonstrated success leading a team of engineers/scientists, and collaborating with large teams on multi-organization, multi-disciplinary projects

  • Active SECRET government security clearance, ability to obtain TS/SCI

Your working location will be full onsite located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manger 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.

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About Pennsylvania State University

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Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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