Strategic Systems Operations Division Lead

The Pennsylvania State University; University Park (TX); Hybrid; USD 204,000 - 336,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Division Head for the Strategic Systems Operations Division (SSO) to lead research engineers, scientists, and staff in delivering advanced DoD and IC capabilities from Penn State, State College campus.

The role requires active TS/SCI clearance, proven leadership in technical programs and funding, strong communication, and strategic planning across cross‑functional teams.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance is required.
• Demonstrated leadership in technical programs and personnel management in high-growth, research environments.
• Experience as PI, technical lead, or senior contributor with external funding in electromagnetics, RF, signals processing, or electrical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for SSO, guiding its emergence in ARL and Penn State.
• Build and lead high-performing cross-disciplinary teams across engineering, science and support staff.
• Lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery with technical rigor and clear communication of goals.

Skills

Active TS/SCI

Leadership

Program management

Executive communication

Strategic planning

Sponsor relations

Education

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science

Job description

The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory seeks a Division Head for the Strategic Systems Operations Division (SSO) to lead research engineers, scientists, and staff in delivering advanced DoD and IC capabilities from Penn State, State College campus.

The role requires active TS/SCI clearance, proven leadership in technical programs and funding, strong communication, and strategic planning across cross‑functional teams.