Head of Embedded Systems — Real-Time & Edge Computing Leader

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) within MMSO. You will lead real‑time control, edge analytics, and hardware‑software integration to transition capabilities for the warfighter.

This on‑site role requires strategic oversight and strong collaboration with sponsors and defense partners. Candidates should bring extensive embedded systems experience, DoD familiarity, and a track record of managing

Qualifications

• Embedded hardware architectures (microcontrollers, SoCs, FPGAs)
• RTOS/bare‑metal programming experience required
• HW‑SW co‑design and integration
• Edge computing/edge analytics frameworks
• Data acquisition systems and sensor integration
• Automated control systems and algorithms
• Cyber‑resilient embedded system design
• Testing methodologies (HIL/ SIL, etc.)
• System integration methodologies in complex DoD systems
• Experience with SWaP‑constrained designs and ruggedization
• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance (Secret or higher)
• Experience writing white papers or technical reports

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department with strategic direction and oversight
• Develop relationships with sponsors and government labs to meet funding objectives
• Direct a multidisciplinary team on embedded architectures and edge analytics
• Oversee research portfolios:Concepts, proposals, staffing, research, budgets, results
• Provide technical oversight of hardware/software development and deliverables
• Transition embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter
• Recruit, mentor, and develop staff in embedded systems and real‑time control
• Foster innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus
• Develop comprehensive roadmaps for embedded systems and integration methodologies
• Collaborate across ARL and external stakeholders to integrate solutions

Skills

Embedded hardware

RTOS & bare‑metal

HW‑SW co‑design

Edge computing

Data acquisition

Control systems

Cyber‑resilient design

Testing methodologies

System integration

DoD systems familiarity

SWaP optimization

Security & anti‑tamper

White papers/reports

Security clearance eligibility

Tools

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) within MMSO. You will lead real‑time control, edge analytics, and hardware‑software integration to transition capabilities for the warfighter.

This on‑site role requires strategic oversight and strong collaboration with sponsors and defense partners. Candidates should bring extensive embedded systems experience, DoD familiarity, and a track record of managing