Embedded Systems Department Head (FACULTY)

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and视ion

75% tuition discount for employees and

Retirement plans

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) in State College, PA, seeks a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) within MMSO to provide strategic direction and technical leadership. The role coordinates with sponsors, defense contractors, and government labs to transition cutting-edge embedded capabilities to warfighter platforms.

The position emphasizes leading a multidisciplinary team in real‑time control, edge computing, and system integration for

Qualifications

• Embedded hardware architectures (MCUs, SoCs, FPGAs) and real‑time control.
• RTOS and bare‑metal programming experience.
• Hardware‑software co‑design and integration.
• Edge computing and edge analytics knowledge.
• Data acquisition systems and sensor integration.
• Automated control systems and algorithms.
• Cyber‑resilient embedded system design, testing and validation.
• Experience with system integration methodologies across complex DoD systems.
• Proven ability to write technical white papers or reports.
• Eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department with strategic and operational oversight.
• Foster relationships with sponsors to meet funding objectives.
• Build and direct a multidisciplinary team on embedded architectures, integration, edge analytics, and control systems.
• Direct research portfolios: develop concepts, proposals, staffing, budgets, and results.
• Provide technical oversight of embedded hardware/software development and deliverables.
• Transition embedded capabilities to operational platforms for defense applications.
• Recruit and mentor staff with expertise in embedded systems and edge computing.
• Develop and drive a roadmap for embedded system integration and architecture across programs.

Skills

Embedded hardware architectures

RTOS and bare‑metal programming

Hardware‑software co‑design

Edge computing frameworks

Data acquisition systems

Automated control systems

Cyber‑resilient embedded design

Testing methodologies

System integration

DoD systems knowledge

White papers / reports writing

Security clearance eligibility

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 team focuses on real‑time control, data acquisition, edge computing architectures, modular system architecture definition, integration methodologies, and test set development. The chosen candidate will lead the department, provide strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight, and partner with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories to transition cutting‑edge embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter.

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.

Additional Responsibilities (Higher‑Level)

• Support development of a comprehensive roadmap for embedded systems and integration methodologies pertaining to systems of interest to the division (missiles, hypersonics, 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 (maritime, aerospace, ground vehicles, unmanned systems).
• Past success with edge device deployment for operational environments including size, weight, and power 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.

Background Checks and Clearances

Employment will require successful completion of security background checks and eligibility to obtain a government security clearance. All employees must be eligible for a clearance, comply with the ARL drug testing program, and adhere to electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Location and Travel

Position is fully on‑site in State College, PA. Periodic travel to remote locations is required.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and a generous 75% tuition discount for 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.