Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Division Head

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 123,200 - 219,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is searching for a Division Head for the Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Division. This pivotal role involves leading teams, mentoring faculty, managing research portfolios, and collaborating with management on strategic initiatives.

The position requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science, with 19+ years of experience for the Principal role, and offers a competitive salary range from $123,200 to $219,600, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 19+ years of relevant experience for Principal Professional.
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional.
• Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a group of scientists and engineers.
• Manage the AMME research portfolio with sponsors.
• Collaborate with ARL management on strategic plans.
• Develop visions for new technologies and projects.

Skills

Leadership of multidisciplinary teams

Proposal writing

Technical capabilities in AMME technologies

Partnership with federal government

Strategic vision development

Effective presentation skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Job description

Application Instructions

Current Penn State employees should complete internal applications via Workday. Current students should use Workday for the student application process. External applicants may click Apply and complete the application here.

Position Overview

We are searching for a Division Head to lead our Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division within the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The AMME Division develops, validates, and transitions materials and manufacturing processes for the Navy, Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers. This role may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer (Principal or Senior Professional) or a non‑tenure Research Faculty.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of scientists and engineers in developing and transitioning technology, including strategic planning for program development, technology investment, sponsor development, and marketing of division technologies.
• Mentor faculty and staff, develop principal investigators, and provide opportunities for program development, sponsor presentations, and technical publications.
• Establish a vision for AMME that identifies new technologies, equipment, and facilities needed for division projects.
• Manage the AMME research portfolio through interaction with sponsors, department heads, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborate with ARL management to implement ARL’s strategic plan and ensure AMME is represented in management meetings.
• Serve as technical leader representing AMME within ARL and the sponsor base.
• Work with other divisions and offices at ARL to identify and develop multidisciplinary research opportunities.
• Manage division budgets, personnel, and laboratory/facility resources.
• Recruit and retain high‑performing faculty and staff.
• Develop relationships with university faculty while securing affiliations with targeted academic departments.

Required Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams in a research environment.
• Demonstrated success developing and transitioning new programs and technologies, including proposal writing and presentations.
• Strong technical capabilities in one or more AMME technologies.
• Past success partnering with the federal government, especially NAVSEA, and building a strong sponsor base.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement an organizational strategic vision.
• Effective presentation skills at all levels, conveying information to drive action or decision.
• Past success recognizing organizational inefficiencies and implementing meaningful changes to improve the work environment.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Management and technical leadership in materials technology.
• Ability to navigate a complex, multi‑office organization and interact with Enterprise Operations functions such as Facilities, Security, IT, Business Office, HR, Purchasing, and Property.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Minimum Education and Experience

Research and Development Engineer – Principal Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 19+ years of relevant experience.
Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience.

Location and Travel

The position is fully on‑site in State College, PA and requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Security Clearance and Background Checks

All candidates must be U.S. citizens and must be able to obtain a government security clearance. Background checks and drug screening are required. Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen is also required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range: $123,200.00 – $219,600.00. Geographic differential may apply. Full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, vacation, sick leave, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

EEO Statement

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.