Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 203,808 - 336,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University seeks a Division Head for the CFD Division of ARL's Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office. You will lead ~15 engineers and faculty, directing CFD efforts across multi-physics and high‑performance computing, including code development and validation for DoD and industry sponsors.

Requirements include a Master's or higher in engineering/science, a strong PI history, and proven leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in engineering or science with 19+ years of related experience.
• Proven PI track record in this field.
• Strong CFD research in hydromechanics, hydroacoustics, propulsion or related areas.
• Experience supervising staff and managing teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; prior white papers/reports.
• Eligibility for access to classified information at Top Secret level.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and performance analyses using CFD tools for diverse applications including undersea vehicles and propulsion.
• Advance CFD methodologies including code development, verification/validation, and HPC optimization.
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and cross‑organisational collaboration.
• Provide organizational leadership: recruitment, development and retention of CFD staff.

Skills

CFD expertise

Leadership

Verbal & written communication

Project management

Education

Master's degree or higher in Engineering or Science

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

STAR-CCM+

Job description

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 Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Division in the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The CFD Division Head will lead a premier group of approximately fifteen engineers and research faculty in bringing state-of-the-art technology tools, talent and leading-edge computational fluid dynamics to our DoD and industrial sponsors. This critical role requires a blend of technical mastery in fluid dynamics, technical management, and personnel management in a mission-focused environment. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

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 www.arl.psu.edu.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform design and performance support analyses, using in-house and commercial CFD tools, for a broad range of applications, including undersea vehicles and propulsion, coupled hydrodynamics/hydroacoustics, low‑speed and high‑speed aerodynamics, and complex multi‑physics systems.
• Lead technical developments and improvements in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics including but limited to code development, V & V, and applications in new and evolving tools and methodologies to solve complex flows. Projects may include but not limited to cavitation and multiphase flows, vehicle maneuvering, turbomachinery, fluid‑structure/fluid‑acoustic interactions, drag reduction, signatures, and code optimization for modern HPC systems.
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and interface across the organization to ensure high quality research output.
• Perform organizational leadership to the CFD Division, including personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees.

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:

• Work with FDAO management team and other ARL offices to build the research portfolio, improve technical capabilities, and enhance cross‑discipline cooperation and collaboration.

Required Skills/Experience

• Master's degree or higher in an Engineering or Science discipline or higher plus ten years of related experience.
• Past success as a Principal Investigator in this field.
• Strong research track record of computational fluid dynamics with a focus in hydromechanics, hydroacoustics, maneuvering and controls, propulsion systems or related discipline.
• Previous success managing people with supervisory experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with past success in writing white papers or reports.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Successful history of proposed and awarded research projects evidenced through securing external research funding.
• Demonstrated leadership of multi‑discipline research projects.
• Expert‑level knowledge of high‑performance computing architectures and information systems.
• Experience with STAR-CCM+.

Location & Travel

Fully on‑site located in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid work based on project‑dependent ability. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as Division Head (ARL) – Principal Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 19+ years of relevant experience, and no required certifications. If filled as Division Head (ARL) – Senior Professional, this position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience, and no required certifications.

Background Checks/Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $203,808.00 – $336,300.00.

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.

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.