Director, Embedded Software - Undersea Systems

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 161,000 - 299,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Department Head for the Embedded Software department in State College, PA. The role may be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty, with on-site work and possible hybrid arrangements depending on project needs. U.S.

citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required. Responsibilities include building a high-performing team, setting strategic direction, guiding

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science with 19+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degrees preferred for senior roles.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and eligible for a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a high-performing workforce through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, talent development, and employee engagement.
• Establish the technical vision and strategic direction for the department, ensuring capabilities, resources, and investments align with office, division, and laboratory objectives.
• Direct and oversee the software engineering function in developing, releasing, and maintaining software and firmware applications to meet program, customer, and business needs.
• Guide the architecture, design, development, integration, and testing of embedded software and firmware solutions for autonomous and undersea systems.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and adherence to software engineering best practices.
• Establish and maintain policies, processes, and standards that produce high-quality products, including coding principles, engineering tools, and development methodologies.
• Coordinate with office engineering leadership to ensure rigorous execution, sound research and engineering practices, and the highest standards of technical work.
• Collaborate with division and office leadership to prioritize work, allocate resources, manage staffing requirements, and support current and future programs.
• Lead major research and development initiatives and shape the department's long-term research and technology portfolio.
• Lead strategic initiatives through customer engagement, business development activities, and proposal development.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Embedded software

C/C++

Security clearance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Embedded development tools

FPGA/CPLD firmware tools

C/C++ toolchains

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Department Head for the Embedded Software department in State College, PA. The role may be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty, with on-site work and possible hybrid arrangements depending on project needs. U.S.

citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret clearance are required. Responsibilities include building a high-performing team, setting strategic direction, guiding