Embedded Systems Dept Head: Real-Time & Edge Architect

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

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.