Embedded Software Department Head

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 161,000 - 299,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a Department Head of the Embedded Software (ES) department within ARL in State College, PA. The role emphasizes leadership across software/firmware development for undersea and autonomous systems, with on-site work and potential hybrid arrangements.

ARL seeks a candidate with extensive experience in leading engineering teams, mentoring staff, and delivering complex engineering solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science required or equivalent.
• Experience leading engineering teams in R&D or DoD-related environments.
• Strong background in embedded real-time software development and constraints.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a high-performing workforce through coaching and mentorship.
• Set technical vision and strategic direction for the department.
• Direct and oversee software engineering to develop, release, and maintain applications for autonomous and undersea systems.
• Guide architecture, design, and testing of embedded software/firmware.
• Foster technical excellence and adherence to best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Embedded systems

C/C++

Software architecture

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

FPGA/CPLD firmware

Embedded toolchains

Job description

Position Specifications

Your working location will be fully on‑site and located in State College, PA. Options exist for hybrid of on‑site/work from home based on project‑dependent ability. This role may require periodic travel to remote locations.

We are searching for a Department Head to join our Embedded Software (ES) department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the U.S. Military.

The ES Department's mission is to design, build, test, and deliver software and firmware for undersea systems. The department is responsible for designing, implementing, and integrating software for Science & Technology demonstrations as well as Engineering Development and In‑Service system programs. The ES department serves as the leading resource for our Undersea Systems Office (USO) in real‑time embedded software/firmware design, development, integration, and testing. This 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.

You will:

• Develop and sustain a high‑performing workforce through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, talent development, and employee engagement
• Establish the technical vision and strategic direction for the department, ensuring capabilities, resources, and investments align with office, division, and laboratory objectives
• Direct and oversee the software engineering function in developing, releasing, and maintaining software and firmware applications to meet program, customer, and business needs
• Guide the architecture, design, development, integration, and testing of embedded software and firmware solutions for autonomous and undersea systems
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and adherence to software engineering best practices
• Establish and maintain policies, processes, and standards that produce high‑quality products, including coding principles, engineering tools, and development methodologies
• Coordinate with office engineering leadership to ensure rigorous execution, sound research and engineering practices, and the highest standards of technical work
• Collaborate with division and office leadership to prioritize work, allocate resources, manage staffing requirements, and support current and future programs

Additional responsibilities for higher‑level position includes:

• Lead major research and development initiatives and shape the department's long‑term research and technology portfolio
• Lead strategic initiatives through customer engagement, business development activities, and proposal development

Required Skills/Experience areas include:

• Management of projects, people, and technical teams, including demonstrated leadership and the ability to establish and achieve organizational goals and objectives
• Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and providing technical direction in the development and delivery of complex engineering systems
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing technical personnel
• Design and development of embedded real‑time, multi‑threaded software, FPGA/CPLD firmware, or hardware design, including experience with C/C++ and modern embedded development tools and environments
• Effective verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance

Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:

• Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related STEM discipline. Advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and mentoring technical staff in a research, development, or a product‑focused environment
• Managing multiple technical projects, balancing workforce priorities, and allocating resources to meet program objectives
• Developing technical proposals, supporting business development activities, or leading strategic growth initiatives
• Working within DoD, Navy, defense research, or other government‑sponsored programs
• Past success establishing technical roadmaps, guiding architecture decisions, and aligning departmental capabilities with strategic business and research objectives

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science19+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired 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 Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.