Embedded Systems Department Head (FACULTY)

The Pennsylvania State University

Ferguson Township (PA)

On-site

USD 140,000 - 190,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) within MMSO. You will lead real‑time control, edge analytics, and hardware‑software integration to transition capabilities for the warfighter.

This on‑site role requires strategic oversight and strong collaboration with sponsors and defense partners. Candidates should bring extensive embedded systems experience, DoD familiarity, and a track record of managing

Qualifications

Embedded hardware architectures (microcontrollers, SoCs, FPGAs)
RTOS/bare‑metal programming experience required
HW‑SW co‑design and integration
Edge computing/edge analytics frameworks
Data acquisition systems and sensor integration
Automated control systems and algorithms
Cyber‑resilient embedded system design
Testing methodologies (HIL/ SIL, etc.)
System integration methodologies in complex DoD systems
Experience with SWaP‑constrained designs and ruggedization
Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance (Secret or higher)
Experience writing white papers or technical reports

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department with strategic direction and oversight
Develop relationships with sponsors and government labs to meet funding objectives
Direct a multidisciplinary team on embedded architectures and edge analytics
Oversee research portfolios:Concepts, proposals, staffing, research, budgets, results
Provide technical oversight of hardware/software development and deliverables
Transition embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter
Recruit, mentor, and develop staff in embedded systems and real‑time control
Foster innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus
Develop comprehensive roadmaps for embedded systems and integration methodologies
Collaborate across ARL and external stakeholders to integrate solutions

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 familiarity

SWaP optimization

Security & anti‑tamper

White papers/reports

Security clearance eligibility

Tools

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 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. 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.

You will:

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 in support of meeting 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
Lead individual research projects and portfolios including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing the project, conducting the research, managing budgets, and delivering high‑quality results

Additional responsibilities for the higher‑level position includes:

Support development of a comprehensive roadmap for embedded systems and integration methodologies pertinent to systems of interest to the division including but not limited to 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

Non‑tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

Required skills/experience areas include:

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 government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

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

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.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral 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.

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