Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice 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 Sensor Command and Control (SCC) Department. SCC provides intelligence to the Electro-Optics (EO) and Electronics systems within the Division. This includes: electronic and firmware control of directed energy and imaging systems; monitoring and safety systems; test set development, including hardware and software loop (HWIL/SIL); and user interface (UX) design through visualizations, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). 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.
You Will:
Provide organizational leadership to the Sensor Command & Control Department including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention
Serve as a principal investigator and manager on department programs, leveraging subject matter expertise in the areas of sensor hardware electronic and software integration, applying leadership and systems engineering expertise to ensure successful programs
Execute projects involving the design and development of prototype electro-optics and electronic systems for military and intelligence community applications
Basic and applied research in the development, integration, and evaluation of high performance EO systems and sensors, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry, and government stakeholders to solve EO problems and develop solutions supporting military and IC customers
Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of high performance EO & electronic systems
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
Additional responsibilities for higher level position 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 solving extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or address 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 projects related to sensor command and control
Developing and managing projects for DoD applications
Broad understanding of electro-optics & electronics systems and the integration of the supporting software, control and other electronic design options as it relates to DoD system applications
Substantial knowledge / awareness in electro-optical system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them
Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation
5+ years' experience of proven supervisory or project leadership
Preferred areas include (but not required):
An advanced degree in a related field
Significant leadership experience within DoD EO and electronic systems
Modernization of communications and electronics warfare systems
Advancing the convergence of sensing and software
Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
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 on-site located in Freeport, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed 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 to possess 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 our Benefits 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.