Embedded Systems Department Head

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 161,004 - 298,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount for employees and

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA, seeks a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) within MMSO. The role leads strategic direction, technical leadership, and budgeted program execution for real-time control, edge analytics, and warfighter-oriented platforms.

The position oversees a multidisciplinary team, drives collaborations with sponsors, and guides integration of embedded solutions into larger architectures across defense programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science required.
• Extensive experience across senior tiers: 19+ / 5+ / 14+ years as noted.
• Eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance (Secret level or higher).

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and operational oversight for the Embedded Systems Department.
• Build and direct a multidisciplinary team focused on embedded architectures and edge computing.
• Lead research projects, write proposals, staff projects, manage budgets, and deliver results.
• Transition embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter.

Skills

Embedded hardware architectures

RTOS & bare‑metal

HW-SW co-design

Edge computing

Data acquisition & sensors

Automated control systems

Cyber-resilient design

Testing (HIL/SIL)

System integration

DoD systems experience

SWaP constrained design

Technical writing (white papers)

Security clearance (Secret)

Education

Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science

19+ years of relevant experience

5+ years of relevant experience

14+ years of relevant experience

Job description

Position Overview

We are searching for a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Embedded Systems Department is dedicated to developing embedded hardware and software solutions in addition to driving integration of complex systems. The department focuses on real‑time control and data acquisition, edge computing architectures, modular system architecture definition, integration methodologies, and test set development to include hardware in the loop and software in the loop.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight.
• Support division leadership in developing and maintaining relationships with sponsors to meet funding objectives.
• Build and direct a multidisciplinary team focused on embedded systems architectures, complex systems integration, hardware‑software integration, edge analytics, and mission‑critical control systems.
• Lead individual research projects and portfolios including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing projects, conducting research, managing budgets, and delivering high‑quality results.
• Provide technical oversight of embedded hardware and software development, ensuring quality and rigor of technical deliverables and research outputs.
• Transition cutting‑edge embedded systems capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop staff with expertise in embedded systems, edge computing, and real‑time control.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus.
• Support development of a comprehensive roadmap for embedded systems and integration methodologies pertinent to systems of interest to the division including missiles, hypersonics, and uncrewed aerial systems.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories.
• Build strategic relationships with Defense Industrial Base stakeholders.
• Collaborate across ARL departments and with external stakeholders to integrate embedded solutions into larger system architectures.

Required Skills / Experience

• Embedded hardware architectures (microcontrollers, SoCs, FPGAs).
• Real‑time operating systems (RTOS) and bare‑metal programming.
• Hardware‑software co‑design and integration.
• Edge computing and edge analytics frameworks.
• Data acquisition systems and sensor integration.
• Automated control systems and algorithms.
• Cyber‑resilient embedded system design.
• Testing methodologies (Hardware in the loop, software in the loop, etc.).
• System integration methodologies.
• Embedded systems challenges in complex DoD systems (e.g., maritime, aerospace, ground vehicles, unmanned systems).
• Past success using edge device deployment for operational environments including size, weight, and power (SWaP) constrained designs, environmental hardening and ruggedization, real‑time performance optimization, and system security and anti‑tamper techniques.
• Past success in writing white papers or reports.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a background investigation.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Principal Professional
  • Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
  • 19+ years of relevant experience
  • Required Certifications: None
• R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Advanced Professional
  • Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
  • 5+ years of relevant experience
  • Required Certifications: None
• R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Senior Professional
  • Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science
  • 14+ years of relevant experience
  • Required Certifications: None

Location & Travel

Your working location will be fully on‑site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 – $298,800.00. Salary structure information is available on Penn State’s website. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, substantial paid time off, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

Background Checks & Clearances

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.

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.