Integrated Power Systems - Energy Conversion Department Head

Penn State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 161,004 - 298,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA seeks a decisive Department Head to guide the IPS‑EC department, leading multidisciplinary teams and translating strategy into execution for next‑generation energy conversion technologies. The role demands strong people leadership, technical excellence, and mission alignment with ARL and USO goals.

The position emphasizes safety, rigorous science, and programmatic success while advancing power and energy research for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related science field.
• Management of people and technical teams with objective setting.
• Expertise in thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, or related areas.
• Proven ability to write white papers and technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Define and communicate the department’s long‑term technical vision and roadmap.
• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional engineering and research talent.
• Lead and manage large, multi‑phase technical projects and programs.
• Collaborate with USO leadership and ARL across ASPS to pursue opportunities.

Skills

People management

Project management

Thermodynamics

Heat transfer

Fluid mechanics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree or PhD preferred

Job description

Position specifics

We are searching for a decisive, forward‑thinking Department Head to lead the Integrated Power Systems – Energy Conversion (IPS‑EC) Department within the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. The Department Head serves as the primary leadership interface between Division strategy and departmental execution. The role integrates people management, technical excellence, and mission execution into a coherent unit aligned to USO and ARL goals. This is a key leadership role in a mission‑focused organization that develops next‑generation energy conversion technologies for critical national defense applications. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non‑tenure Research Faculty. The IPS‑EC Department Head is responsible for the strategic direction, technical excellence, personnel development, and execution performance of multidisciplinary engineering programs. This position requires a leader capable of shaping advanced power and energy technologies while ensuring the highest standards of scientific rigor, safety, and programmatic success.

Mission and Department Scope

The IPS‑EC Department delivers cutting‑edge research, design, analysis, and technology transition for energy conversion systems supporting thermal power plants for naval undersea platforms and other defense applications. The department’s core competencies include turbomachinery, heat exchangers, fluid systems, pressure vessels, structural components, heat‑engine subsystems, and compact integration of complete thermal engine systems. IPS‑EC operates in close collaboration with other ESPS departments and across USO, providing capabilities that enable fully integrated power solutions for current and future mission needs.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities Include

• Department and Division Leadership and Strategy: Define and communicate the department’s long‑term technical vision, capability roadmap, and strategic priorities. Ensure alignment of IPS‑EC work with ESPS, USO, and ARL mission needs. Shape departmental investments, workforce development priorities, and future capability areas.
• Talent Development and Organizational Management: Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional engineering, research faculty, and student talent. Build a high‑performing, collaborative, and innovative technical culture. Establish clear expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and identify professional development pathways. Ensure the department maintains the highest standards of technical excellence and safety.
• Program Execution and Technical Leadership: Lead and manage large or multi‑phase technical projects, including planning, scheduling, coordinating, and overseeing major portions of project execution. Evaluate and shape project goals and feasibility; convert technical concepts into actionable programs and identify opportunities for new research directions and applications. Advance organizational technical capabilities by developing new methods, extending technologies into new domains, and driving innovation through creative problem‑solving and collaboration across a broad peer network.
• Collaboration and External Engagement: Work closely with USO leadership, PMs, and PIs across ARL to coordinate resources and leverage capabilities. Identify and pursue new research and business opportunities that advance ARL’s mission and sponsor relationships (government and non‑government). Nurture and maintain relationships with major customers of external research and develop technical proposals for future work.

Required Skills / Experience Areas Include

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering or a related scientific discipline
• Management of people, projects, and technical teams with a record of setting and meeting objectives
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following: Thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics; machine design and engineering mechanics; materials and materials selection; system‑level test planning and execution; geometric dimensioning and tolerancing; program and project management
• Demonstrated success in writing white papers and reports

Preferred Skills / Experience Areas Include

• Master’s Degree or PhD in a relevant field

Your working location will be fully on site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

• If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.
• If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.
• If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) – Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience. Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00.

Salary Structure – Information on Penn State’s salary structure.

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being.

• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

Campus Security Crime Statistics

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO Is The Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.

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