Head of Agile Systems Engineering

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University, via the Applied Research Laboratory in State College, seeks a visionary leader to head the Agile Systems Engineering Department within MMSO. The role directs strategic direction, oversees a multidisciplinary team, and accelerates tailored systems integration.

You will mentor engineers, build sponsor relationships, lead proposals and budgets, and drive innovations across programs including missiles, hypersonics, and unmanned systems.

Qualifications

• Lead and oversee department initiatives in systems engineering and rapid integration.
• Proven ability to direct multi-disciplinary teams and manage budgets and staffing.
• Experience mentoring engineers and developing technical talent across programs.
• Strong track record in building sponsor relationships and securing funding.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Agile Systems Engineering Department, including strategic direction, technical leadership, workforce planning, and performance evaluation.
• Build and direct a multidisciplinary team focused on systems engineering applications across diverse programs and sponsors.
• Mentor engineers in applying systems engineering to complex problems from early science to system acquisition.
• Support leadership in developing and maintaining sponsor relationships to meet funding objectives.
• Lead research projects and portfolios: develop concepts, write proposals, staff, conduct research, manage budgets, deliver results.
• Foster partnerships with U.S. Military Program Offices, defense contractors, and other labs; lead training initiatives.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

Strategic planning

Budget management

Mentoring and coaching

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Model-based engineering (MBSE)

SysML / architecture tools

Job description

Penn State University, via the Applied Research Laboratory in State College, seeks a visionary leader to head the Agile Systems Engineering Department within MMSO. The role directs strategic direction, oversees a multidisciplinary team, and accelerates tailored systems integration.

You will mentor engineers, build sponsor relationships, lead proposals and budgets, and drive innovations across programs including missiles, hypersonics, and unmanned systems.