Electromagnetic Effects & Applications Department Head

Penn State University

State College (Centre County)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 190,000

Full time

3 days ago

Be an early applicant

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a Department Head for the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department within the S3 Division. Lead a team of research engineers and scientists in RF/microwave systems, DoD and IC programs, with responsibility for strategic planning, funding, and execution on complex EM projects.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and strong sponsor communication, with on-site work in State College, PA

Qualifications

Principal investigator, technical lead, program management, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts.
Record of securing and sustaining external funding in electromagnetic propagation modeling and related fields.
Development, field-testing, delivery, and integration of technology.
Experience with 3D EM analysis software such as CST Studio Suite or Remcom.

Responsibilities

Manage the daily activities of the team including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and performance evaluations.
Lead department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities, proposals, and risk mitigation.
Maintain regular communication with sponsors and associate contractors.
Lead the execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation for DoD/IC customers.
Oversee technical excellence, cost control, and on-time delivery of work.
Oversee development of plans and proposals for new programs.
Lead and assure proper execution of sponsored research.
Foster a high-performing, collaborative team culture aligned with ARL's mission.

Skills

Principal investigator

Program management

External funding

3D EM analysis

CST Studio

Remcom EM

Collaboration

TS/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree – Engineering or Science

Master's or PhD in EE/Applied Physics

MBA with Electrical Engineering

Tools

CST Studio Suite

Remcom EM

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: