Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics (FACULTY)

Penn State University; Lemont (PA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University, within the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA, seeks a Division Head for the CFD Division in the FDAO. Lead a team of engineers and researchers advancing state-of-the-art CFD for DoD and industrial sponsors.

The role blends technical mastery, research leadership, and program development in a mission‑focused environment. Responsibilities include guiding design analyses, code development, V&V, and cross‑discipline collaboration while managing personnel

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
• Proven leadership and personnel management experience.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary research projects and programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead CFD division design and performance analyses across applications.
• Advance CFD developments, V&V, and tool/methodology improvements.
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and cross‑organization coordination.
• Oversee CFD division personnel management and development.
• Collaborate with ARL offices to grow research portfolio.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Master’s degree or higher in Engineering or Science

Tools

STAR-CCM+

Job description

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 tools, talent and leading‑edge computational fluid dynamics to our DoD and industrial sponsors. The Division Head, along with immediate reports, will develop and mature business relationships and programs with other ARL offices, industry, and government 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.

You will

• 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 not limited to code development, V&V, and applications in new and evolving tools and methodologies to solve complex flows. Projects may include, but are 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 of the CFD Division, including personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees.
• Work with the 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 and Travel

Fully on‑site located in State College, PA. Options exist for hybrid of on‑site/work from home based on project‑dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. Flexible work options should be discussed during the interview process.

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.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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.