Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics (FACULTY)

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University is seeking a Division Head for the CFD Division in the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). This leadership role oversees a team of engineers and research faculty to advance state-of-the-art CFD tools for DoD and industry sponsors.

We seek a proven leader with a strong CFD research record, experience managing researchers, and the ability to drive cross-disciplinary programs while ensuring high quality research output and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in an Engineering or Science discipline with ten years of related experience.
• Past success as a Principal Investigator in this field.
• Strong CFD research record in hydromechanics, hydroacoustics, maneuvering, propulsion or related discipline.
• Experience managing people with supervisory responsibilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with past success in writing papers or reports.
• Eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform design and performance analyses using CFD tools for wide range of applications.
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and ensure high-quality research output.
• Lead organizational development, recruitment, and retention within the CFD Division.
• Collaborate with management to build research portfolios and foster cross‑discipline cooperation.

Skills

CFD leadership

People management

Hydromechanics / hydroacoustics

Code development / HPC

Verbal & written communication

Clearance eligibility

Education

Master’s degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

STAR-CCM+

CFD software tools

Job description

Job Summary

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 meeting the mission of bringing state‑of‑the‑art 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. The position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non‑tenure Research Faculty.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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, to include personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees.

Additional Responsibilities (for higher‑level position)

• 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 and 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 and 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 but options exist for hybrid of on‑site/work from home 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.

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.

Background Checks and Security Clearance

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. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

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.