Deployables and Undersea Connectivity – Department Head (FACULTY)

We are searching for a highly motivated and experienced Department Head to join our Engineering Systems Research and Development Division of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. This position will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Deployables and Undersea Connectivity Department (DUC). The mission of the DUC is to develop and mature technical methods and devices to connect platforms in the undersea domain, as well as bridge to above the sea-air boundary, support tethered and untethered communication techniques between stationary or moving undersea platforms, and employ these capabilities to solve the most challenging undersea communications problems. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership by advancing the Department's research and engineering capabilities while ensuring personnel maintain the highest standards of technical excellence.
• Lead programs and multidisciplinary teams while collaborating with laboratory leadership and external stakeholders to identify, develop, and pursue new research and business opportunities.
• Manage departmental resources by partnering with USO leadership, Project Managers, and Principal Investigators to align staffing and resources with program priorities.
• Lead personnel development by establishing performance expectations, conducting performance evaluations, identifying professional development opportunities, and recruiting, retaining, and mentoring high-performing engineering, research, faculty, and student staff.
• Lead experiment-driven applied research and development to deliver innovative technical solutions that support sponsors and national security missions.
• Plan, staff, and execute programs to ensure departmental personnel are effectively utilized and aligned with organizational goals and customer needs.
• Foster a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration, technical growth, and the exploration of emerging technologies and research opportunities.

Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:

• Leading small to medium-sized teams from concept development through prototype capability demonstration in relevant environments.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with external organizations and sponsors.

Requirements

• Managing programs, people, and a demonstrated capability to set and meet goals and objectives.
• Development of system test and verification plans.
• Underwater acoustics and communication methods.
• Mechanical and optical properties of fiber optic cabling, its deployment, and the fundamentals of data transmission.
• Electronic design and RF communication devices and techniques.
• Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required.
• U.S. citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven history of identifying sponsor needs and developing proposals to address those needs.
• Experience collaborating in multi-disciplinary, team-oriented cultures.
• Experience in the design and testing of tethered and untethered undersea deployable devices (buoys, sensors, tow bodies, etc.).
• Master’s Degree or PhD in a relevant field.

Schedule

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

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.