Strategic Systems Operations Division Director (Research)

Penn State; State College, Northern (Centre County, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Job summary

Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Division Head for Strategic Systems Operations. Hybrid work arrangement with on-site in State College, PA.

You will lead the division of researchers and staff, directing ambitious programs at the intersection of DoD and IC priorities, and ensure technical rigor and mission relevance. The role requires a Master's degree and a decade of related experience, TS/SCI clearance, and proven ability to secure external funding; you will shape strategy,

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management.
• Principal Investigator, technical lead, or senior contributor with 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 budgeting, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Strategic Systems Division (SSO).
• Build and lead interdisciplinary teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; foster a culture of excellence, cohesion and professional development.
• Lead R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor, mission relevance, and effective communication of goals and needs.
• Manage division operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities challenges, proposal development, and risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain sponsors, academic and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities.
• Represent the division and ARL with sponsors, leadership, and university partners.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

Leadership

Program management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Division Head for Strategic Systems Operations. Hybrid work arrangement with on-site in State College, PA.

You will lead the division of researchers and staff, directing ambitious programs at the intersection of DoD and IC priorities, and ensure technical rigor and mission relevance. The role requires a Master's degree and a decade of related experience, TS/SCI clearance, and proven ability to secure external funding; you will shape strategy,