Embedded Software Department Head

Penn State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Department Head for the Embedded Software (ES) department to lead software/firmware for undersea systems. The role may be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty.

ARL is a DoD SkillBridge partner inviting transitioning military personnel to apply. Your on-site role in State College, PA, offers hybrid options and periodic travel.

Qualifications

• Experience leading technical teams and managing projects.
• Ability to establish and achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Design and development of embedded real-time software and firmware.

Responsibilities

• Develop and sustain a high-performing workforce through coaching and mentorship.
• Set technical vision and strategic direction for the department.
• Direct software engineering for embedded software/firmware across programs.
• Guide architecture, design, development, integration and testing of embedded solutions.
• Maintain coding principles, standards, and best practices.

Skills

Management

Team Leadership

Embedded Software

C/C++

Security Clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Embedded development tools

FPGA/CPLD firmware

Job description

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.

Location

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.

Remote Work Policy

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

Responsibilities

• 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 (Higher-Level Position)

• 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

• 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

• 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