Embedded Systems Department Head

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 161,004 - 298,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Tuition discount

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a Department Head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) within MMSO. The role leads strategic and technical directions for embedded hardware/software, with emphasis on real-time control, edge analytics, and mission-focused system integration.

Based on-site in State College, PA, with periodic travel to remote locations, you will build partnerships with sponsors and defense contractors, drive proposals, and oversee budgets and

Qualifications

• Embedded hardware architectures and RTOS familiarity required.
• Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop and software‑in‑the‑loop testing.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary embedded systems teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Embedded Systems Department providing strategic direction and oversight.
• Build partnerships with sponsors, defense contractors, and government labs to transition capabilities.
• Direct research projects, staffing, budgeting, and deliverables with a focus on DoD platforms.

Skills

Embedded hardware

RTOS/bare-metal

HW/SW co-design

Edge computing

Data acquisition

Control systems

Cyber-resilient design

Testing methodologies

System integration

DoD systems challenges

SWaP considerations

Technical writing

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

None

Job description

Position Specifics

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 and 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, including hardware‑in‑the‑loop and software‑in‑the‑loop.

In this role, you will lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight. You will also establish partnerships with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories to transition cutting‑edge embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter.

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.

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

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 and 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 in operational environments, including size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints, 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 government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Principal Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 19+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.

• If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Advanced Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.

• If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Senior Professional: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience, no required certifications.

Background Checks and 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 and Benefits

Salary range: $161,004.00 – $298,800.00.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• 75% tuition discount available to employees and eligible spouses and children.

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. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.