Strategic Systems Operation Division Head

Penn State University; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State University, through the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL), seeks a Division Head for the Strategic Systems Operations Division (SSO). The role leads research engineers, scientists, and staff, guiding programs from concept to delivery in a DoD and IC-relevant context.

Hybrid work is available with on-site location in State College, PA. Candidate should have a TS/SCI clearance, strong leadership, and a proven record in securing external funding, with experience in electromagnetic and RF

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or science required.
• 19+ years of relevant experience for the R&D Engineer, Division Head (ARL) - Principal Professional track; 14+ for Senior Professional path.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance required.
• Track record securing external funding for research programs.
• Experience leading high-growth, mission-driven research environments.
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Strategic Systems Division (SSO).
• Build and lead high-performing cross-functional teams across engineering, science, and support staff.
• Lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery with technical rigor and mission relevance.
• Manage division operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities and risk mitigation.
• Cultivate sponsors and partnerships; position SSO as a central ARL contributor.
• Engage sponsors and university stakeholders at executive levels.

Skills

Active TS/SCI

Leadership

Program management

Research funding

Electrical engineering

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

Position specifics

Your working location will be a hybrid of on-site/work from home, on-site location is State College, PA.

We are seeking a Division Head for the Strategic Systems Operations Division (SSO) to join the Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. SSO specializes in delivering systems, products and information to leading edge DoD and IC operations worldwide. SSO consists of 4 departments: Signals Prototyping; Trusted Systems Engineering; Signals Implementation; National Programs Solutions. The Division Head will report directly to the Head of the Information Advantage Office and will be responsible for managing the division's research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. This position will be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

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

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Strategic Systems Division (SSO), guiding its emergence as a new division onto ARL's, Penn State's, and the broader national security landscape
• Build and lead comprehensive, high performing and collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; foster a culture of excellence, cohesion and professional development
• Lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor, mission relevance, and effective communication of program goals, outcomes and resource needs
• Manage division operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities challenges, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure growth is both sustainable and aligned
• Build and maintain strong sponsors, academic, and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities and positioning SSO as a central contributor to ARL's future
• Represent the division‑and as needed, the larger organization‑ through polished, executive level engagement with sponsors, ARL leadership, university stakeholders and strategic partners
• Lead, manage and continuously improve professional development, training and onboarding

Required skills / experience areas

• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
• Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management, with experience operating in high‑growth, mission‑driven, and research‑oriented environments
• Principal Investigator, technical lead, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts, with a 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
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills‑ able to articulate needs, requirements and impact clearly to diverse audiences in various formats
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, lead through challenges and shape forward‑looking strategies
• Demonstrated strength in business and/or program management capabilities, including experience managing budgets, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning
• Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility, with the ability to work effectively across organizational levels and with external sponsors, collaborators and partners, with a proven ability to establish credibility, influence outcomes, and build trust

Minimum education, work experience & required certifications

• If filled as R&D Engineer, Division 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, Division Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
  • Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
  • 14+ years of relevant experience
  • Required Certifications: None

Other information

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government cus