Electromagnetic Effects & Applications Department Head

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 161,000 - 299,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Department Head for the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department in State College, PA. You will direct research engineers, scientists, and staff in RF/microwave systems for DoD/IC sponsors, aiming for technical excellence and on-time delivery.

On-site leadership responsibilities include strategic planning, budgeting, and sponsor communications, with potential designation as Research Engineer or non-tenure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science is required.
• PhD or Master’s in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related MBA is preferred.
• Experience securing and sustaining external funding for EM-related research is essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities of the team including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and performance evaluations.
• Lead department operations: strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities, proposals, risk mitigation.

Skills

Principal investigator

Technical lead

Program management

External funding

3D EM analysis software

Communication skills

Collaboration across disciplines

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

PhD or MSc in Electrical Engineering / Applied Physics or related MBA

Tools

CST Studio Suite

Remcom EM software

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Department Head for the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department to join our team within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions (S3) Division under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will report directly to the Director of the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division and direct a team of research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel in architecture, design, integration, and testing of RF and Microwave systems for multiple Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) sponsors. Technologies include medium-to-high-power RF emitters, waveform design, propagation analysis, RF circuits and radiating systems, and related applications. This position can be filled as 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.

• Manage the daily activities of the team, including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and coaching sessions/performance evaluations
• Lead department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure growth is aligned and sustainable
• Maintain regular communication with sponsors and associate contractors
• Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation of systems for a wide range of customers in the DoD and IC
• Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work
• Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
• Lead and assure the proper execution of sponsored research
• Lead a high performing and collaborative team across engineering, scientific, and support functions, fostering a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional growth, and embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Principal investigator, technical lead, program management, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts
• Record of securing and sustaining external funding in technical areas related to electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation, radio frequency spectrum research, electromagnetic effects, signals processing, and/or general electrical engineering skill sets
• Development, field-testing, delivery, and integration of technology
• Proven competence working within 3D EM analysis software (e.g. CST Studio Suite, Remcom EM simulation software)
• Success in dynamic environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; TS/SCI clearance level is preferred

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• PHD or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related MBA with Electrical Engineering Research, military, or government environment
• Designing, orchestrating, and conducting technical design reviews and field tests
• Security and IT frameworks applied to DoD and IC sponsored programs
• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require occasional travel to designated sponsor or associate contractor locations within and outside the continental United States.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None

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 our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): 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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

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.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

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.

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