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 Applied Sustainment Technologies (AST) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Supply Chain Engineering Department. The Supply Chain Engineering Department advances data-driven sustainment solutions through operations research, applied mathematics, modeling and simulation, and advanced analytics to improve readiness, resilience, and lifecycle affordability and manufacturability of defense systems. The Department Head will provide strategic and technical leadership for a growing portfolio of research in supply chain engineering, operations research, and modeling & simulation. The Department Head will also shape and expand ARL’s capabilities in advanced analytics, digital engineering, and decision-support systems that directly impact national defense sustainment performance. This role requires a strong foundation in applied mathematics and system modeling, combined with demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing complex DoD-sponsored programs.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.
You Will:
Provide organizational leadership to the Supply Chain Engineering Department, including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention
Establish and execute a strategic vision for research and development in supply chain engineering, operations research, and modeling and simulation aligned with DoD sustainment priorities
Serve as a Principal Investigator and/or Program Manager on ARL programs, leveraging expertise in applied mathematics, system modeling, and simulation to ensure successful technical and programmatic execution
Lead the development of advanced analytical models, digital twins, optimization frameworks, and simulation environments for logistics, maintenance, and enterprise sustainment systems
Oversee execution of projects involving large-scale data analysis, predictive analytics, and decision-support tools for military and intelligence community applications
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, computer scientists, logisticians, and domain experts to solve complex sustainment and readiness challenges
Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure programs meet customer requirements and support ARL’s strategic mission
Drive transition of analytical tools, models, and decision-support technologies from research to operational implementation
Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes
Plan and direct research programs with substantial impact on national defense sustainment strategy and enterprise logistics performance
Coordinate cross-disciplinary research and development activities involving applied mathematics, systems engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and enterprise data architectures
Devise and lead initiatives addressing extremely complex supply chain and readiness challenges affecting current and future defense systems
Identify emerging trends in supply chain resilience, digital engineering, AI-enabled logistics, stochastic modeling, and advanced optimization techniques
Propose and lead major new initiatives of national significance; direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and sponsor engagements
Contribute to the strategic planning and growth objectives of the AST Division and MMSO
Mentor staff in the development of technical depth, project leadership, sponsor engagement, and business development skills
Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.
Required skills/experience areas include:
Leading research projects for supply systems stakeholders in the US Navy or Army
Defense sustainment, readiness modeling, lifecycle cost analysis, or supply chain resilience
Strong background in applied mathematics, optimization, stochastic processes, simulation, and complex systems modeling
Demonstrated expertise in modeling and simulation methodologies (e.g., discrete-event simulation, agent-based modeling, system dynamics, hybrid modeling approaches)
Applying quantitative methods to logistics, maintenance, supply chain systems, or large-scale enterprise operations
Supporting DoD or other federal government programs
Proven supervisory or technical leadership experience
Demonstrated success transitioning research capabilities into operational implementation
Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Active security clearance or eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Master’s degree or Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field (candidates actively pursuing a doctoral degree will be considered)
Minimum 14 years of relevant experience in applied research, modeling and simulation, or advanced analytics
Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, 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.