Head of Department

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A research laboratory at a major university is seeking a Department Head for its Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department. This leadership role involves managing a team of engineers and scientists in the development of RF and Microwave systems for the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in applied research management, securing funding, and a PhD or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related fields. The position requires on-site work in State College, PA, and may include travel as necessary.

Qualifications

• Proven competence in electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation.
• Experience in securing external funding for research.
• Eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily activities of the research team.
• Lead technical execution of research and development projects.
• Oversee development of plans and proposals for new programs.

Skills

Applied research management

Technical lead

Program management

3D EM analysis software

Collaboration in multi-disciplinary teams

Education

PhD or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

MBA with Electrical Engineering

Tools

CST Studio Suite

Remcom EM simulation software

Job description

We are seeking a Department Head for the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department to join our team within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions (S3) Division under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will report directly to the Director of the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division and direct a team of research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel in architecture, design, integration, and testing of RF and Microwave systems for multiple Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) sponsors. Technologies include medium-to-high-power RF emitters, waveform design, propagation analysis, RF circuits and radiating systems, and related applications. This position can be filled as 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:

• Manage the daily activities of the team, including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and coaching sessions/performance evaluations
• Lead department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure growth is aligned and sustainable
• Maintain regular communication with sponsors and associate contractors
• Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation of systems for a wide range of customers in the DoD and IC
• Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work
• Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
• Lead and assure the proper execution of sponsored research
• Lead a high performing and collaborative team across engineering, scientific, and support functions, fostering a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional growth, and embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Principal investigator, technical lead, program management, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts
• Record of securing and sustaining external funding in technical areas related to electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation, radio frequency spectrum research, electromagnetic effects, signals processing, and/or general electrical engineering skill sets
• Development, field-testing, delivery, and integration of technology
• Proven competence working within 3D EM analysis software (e.g. CST Studio Suite, Remcom EM simulation software)
• Success in dynamic environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; TS/SCI clearance level is preferred

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• PHD or Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related
• MBA with Electrical Engineering
• Research, military, or government environment
• Designing, orchestrating, and conducting technical design reviews and field tests
• Security and IT frameworks applied to DoD and IC sponsored programs
• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require occasional travel to designated sponsor or associate contractor locations within and outside the continental United States.