Head of Agile Systems Engineering - DoD R&D Leader

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive health benefits

Retirement plans

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA seeks a Department Head for the Agile Systems Engineering Department (ASE). The role leads a ~10-person team, guiding strategic direction, technical leadership, and program management across diverse defense-related projects.

Applicants should have a strong background in systems engineering, MBSE, and architecture development, with experience coordinating cross-program efforts and engaging sponsors.

Qualifications

• Lead and manage the Agile Systems Engineering Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight.
• Apply systems engineering to complex programs spanning from science/tech to system acquisition; mentor engineers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with sponsors to meet funding objectives.
• Lead research projects, write proposals, staff projects, manage budgets, and deliver high-quality results.
• Foster partnerships with defense contractors, system integrators, and government labs.
• Lead training on systems engineering for ARL staff and external partners.
• Foster innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus.
• Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the ASE Department, including strategic direction, personnel management, workforce planning, and performance evaluation.
• Build and direct a multidisciplinary team focusing on systems engineering applications for diverse programs and sponsors.
• Mentor engineers in applying systems engineering to complex problems across maturity levels.
• Support leadership in sponsor relationship development to meet funding objectives.
• Lead individual research projects, develop technical concepts, write proposals, staff projects, and manage budgets.
• Foster partnerships with U.S. Military Program Offices, defense contractors, and government laboratories.
• Deliver training on systems engineering to ARL staff and external partners.
• Promote an innovative, technically excellent and mission-focused culture.
• For higher-level roles, develop roadmaps for embedded systems and collaboration across ARL and external stakeholders.

Skills

Systems engineering leadership

System architecture design

Requirements development

Model-based engineering

Team leadership

Proposal writing

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Security clearance

Education

Advanced degree in engineering or related field

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA seeks a Department Head for the Agile Systems Engineering Department (ASE). The role leads a ~10-person team, guiding strategic direction, technical leadership, and program management across diverse defense-related projects.

Applicants should have a strong background in systems engineering, MBSE, and architecture development, with experience coordinating cross-program efforts and engaging sponsors.