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
We are searching for a division head for the Engineering Systems Research & Development (ESRD) Division of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). 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). The ESRD Division serves as a key resource for fundamental mechanical and electrical engineering design and analysis, and technical execution for the integration and test of undersea vehicles and other complex undersea systems. This position 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:
Lead a team of sixty engineers, engineering technologists, and engineering support specialists across five departments that are engaged in the design, development, integration and testing of complex undersea systems, including:
Electro-mechanical release/deployment mechanisms
Undersea acoustics and acoustic modems
Optical fiber Communications
Finite Element Analysis (structural and thermal)
Advanced analog & digital circuit design and packaging
Embedded & FPGA electronics design and programming
Hardware, Software and Systems Integration and Test
Complex mechanical system development, fab, and integration
Electronic circuit board assembly, repair, and rework
Build and test of complex cable/interconnect systems
Develop and maintain the division technical expertise in core engineering disciplines, engineering process, and system concept definition from early development through transition to production
Work closely with the Office leadership team to build and maintain trusted relationships with key sponsors and stakeholders, ensure the delivery of superior research products to our sponsors, and develop and execute strategic initiatives
Provide project updates to sponsors and stakeholders, and lead in the development of new business for potential sponsors
Recruit, develop, and retain extraordinary R&D engineering staff and faculty
Oversee the planning, staffing and execution of programs to ensure all divisional staff and faculty are appropriately and sufficiently tasked at all times
Provide a mix of high-level project management, engineering oversight, and technical expertise related to Undersea Systems and Undersea Connectivity
Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration, definition of scope, and identification of problems for investigation
Required skills/experience areas include:
Technical experience in the development of complex, mechanical and electrical systems
Personnel management, recruitment, development, coaching, and mentorship of employees
Successful technical management of large, multi-organization, multi-disciplinary projects
Effective written and oral communication
Ability to coordinate across units to ensure rigorous execution, sound research and engineering practices, and the highest standards of technical work are maintained
Experience in proposing and leading new initiatives, including direction of and/or participation in major proposal preparation
Experience with DoD, Navy, and industrial research funding activities
Current eligibility to obtain a clearance at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher
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. This position will require periodic travel to support assigned responsibilities.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
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).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.
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.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $123,200.00 - $219,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. 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.
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.