Lead, Energy Conversion Systems & Naval Tech

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition discount 75%

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a decisive Department Head to lead the IPS‑EC Department within the ESPS Division of USO. This leadership role integrates people management, technical excellence, and mission execution to deliver next‑generation energy conversion technologies for national defense.

The position offers on‑site leadership in State College, PA with periodic travel, a focus on strategic direction, talent development, and programmatic success across

Qualifications

• 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 thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics; machine design and engineering mechanics; materials and materials selection; system‑level test planning and execution; GD&T; program and project management

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Recruit, develop, and retain 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.
• 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 and driving innovation through collaboration across a broad network.
• 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.
• Nurture and maintain relationships with major customers of external research and develop technical proposals for future work.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Communication

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering

Master’s degree or PhD preferred

Job description

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University seeks a decisive Department Head to lead the IPS‑EC Department within the ESPS Division of USO. This leadership role integrates people management, technical excellence, and mission execution to deliver next‑generation energy conversion technologies for national defense.

The position offers on‑site leadership in State College, PA with periodic travel, a focus on strategic direction, talent development, and programmatic success across