Deputy Division Head - Applied Sustainment Technology Division (Faculty)

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount for employees and eligible families

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a Deputy Division Head to join the Applied Sustainment Division (AST). This role involves leading a team to develop technologies for logistics and lifecycle asset sustainment for DoD systems.

The ideal candidate will have a Master's or Doctorate degree in an engineering discipline and proven leadership in multi-disciplinary projects. Competitive benefits include comprehensive healthcare and a 75% tuition discount.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of related experience required.
• Eligibility for classified information clearance at Secret level or higher preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development activities for new opportunities.
• Develop proposals and projects for Applied Sustainment Technologies.
• Mentor engineers and encourage innovation.
• Support departmental labor planning and performance evaluation.

Skills

Leadership in engineering teams

Collaboration on multi-disciplinary projects

Business development and proposal writing

Education

Master’s degree in engineering or science

Doctorate in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

We are searching for a Deputy Division Head to join our Applied Sustainment Division (AST) at Penn State. The AST Division is an interdisciplinary group that develops technologies for logistics, maintenance, and lifecycle asset sustainment for DoD systems. The candidate may be appointed as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non‑tenure Research Faculty.

Responsibilities

• Lead a group of engineers and scientists in business development activities that include strategic planning for identifying new business opportunities, developing activity plans for meeting potential sponsors, and creating presentation material.
• Lead or assist in the development of proposals and projects advancing Applied Sustainment Technologies.
• Lead a team engaged in developing technologies critical to the division.
• Mentor and encourage creativity in innovative technologies and research.
• Support labor planning activities to ensure all departmental staff and faculty are appropriately engaged.
• Work with the Division Head to review and analyze division‑level financial, project, and overhead funding/expenditure data for data‑driven decision making.
• Assist with recruitment, retention, and performance expectations for department staff and faculty.
• Assist with evaluating professional growth and performance of Department Heads through reviews and coaching conversations.

Qualification & Requirements

Faculty rank will be commensurate with education and experience. Minimum requirements: a Master’s degree in an engineering or science discipline and at least one year of related experience. A Doctorate in Mechanical, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering is preferred.

Required Skills / Experience Areas

• Demonstrated success leading teams of engineers or scientists.
• Experience collaborating on large, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Proven ability in developing new business, including proposal writing and technical presentation skills.

Preferred Skills / Experience Areas

• Current eligibility for classified information clearance at the Secret level or higher.
• Previous management and technical leadership in development, engineering, and sustainment technologies.

Work Location

Your working location will be in State College, PA.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment requires successful completion of background checks in accordance with university policies. All positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; candidates will be notified if subject to a background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required. A pre‑employment drug screen is also required.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

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.