Head of Embedded Systems - Real-Time & Edge Computing

Penn State University; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

On-site in State College

Job summary

Penn State University in State College, PA, invites applications for the Embedded Systems Department Head (Faculty) position within the MMSO/ARL. This on-site role leads a team focused on real-time control, edge computing, and system integration for defense applications.

Remote work is not guaranteed; periodic travel to remote locations is required. The candidate will guide strategic direction, build sponsor relations, and mentor staff while ensuring research excellence and impactful

Qualifications

• Embedded hardware architectures and RTOS/bare-metal development proficiency.
• Experience with edge analytics, data acquisition, and real-time control systems.
• Strong system integration, hardware-software co-design, and security considerations.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff, and deliver research outputs.
• Experience writing white papers or technical reports and engaging sponsors.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department with strategic direction and oversight.
• Develop and sustain sponsor relationships to meet funding objectives.
• Direct a multidisciplinary team focused on embedded architectures and integration.
• Lead research portfolios, staff projects, and manage budgets toward high-quality results.
• Provide technical oversight of hardware and software development and ensure rigorous deliverables.
• Transition embedded capabilities to operational platforms for end users.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop staff with expertise in embedded systems and edge computing.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus.
• Develop roadmaps for embedded systems and integration methodologies across divisions.

Skills

Embedded hardware architectures

RTOS & bare-metal

Edge computing

Data acquisition

System integration

Cyber-resilient design

Testing methodologies

SWaP considerations

Leadership & mentorship

Technical writing (white papers)

Job description

Penn State University in State College, PA, invites applications for the Embedded Systems Department Head (Faculty) position within the MMSO/ARL. This on-site role leads a team focused on real-time control, edge computing, and system integration for defense applications.

Remote work is not guaranteed; periodic travel to remote locations is required. The candidate will guide strategic direction, build sponsor relations, and mentor staff while ensuring research excellence and impactful