Deputy Office Head - Information Advantage Office

Position Overview

The Deputy Office Head for the Information Advantage Office (IAO) at Penn State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) will report directly to the Office Head. IAO conducts mission‑driven research to disrupt adversary capabilities, enable rapid operational adaptation, and secure a decisive information advantage in contested environments. The office comprises four divisions: Command, Control, and Communication Innovations (C3I); Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation (JMIE); Cyber, Modeling and Simulation (CMS); and Strategic Systems Operations (SSO). The role may be filled as a Research and Development Engineer, non‑tenure Research Faculty, or Technical Engineering Project Manager.

Work Location

Hybrid work arrangement with on‑site location in State College, PA, and the option to work from home.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Office leadership team to build and maintain trusted relationships with key sponsors and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the IAO Office Head and Senior Scientist to ensure delivery of superior research deliverables to sponsors.
• Support the IAO Office Head in developing and executing strategic initiatives.
• Represent the Office in meetings and discussions with sponsors and guests.
• Lead, manage, and continuously improve the operations of the Office.
• Plan and manage office finances in collaboration with the IAO Program Finance Administrator.
• Plan and manage workspace, research facilities, and equipment.
• Oversee the Office’s external web presence, overview briefing, and a library of supporting capability briefings.
• Support the Office Head in daily interactions with Enterprise Operations (Engineering Services, Business Services, Security Services, Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Special Programs Security).
• Lead, manage, and continuously improve professional development, training, and onboarding.

Required Skills & Experience

• Leadership of individual and portfolio research projects, including concept development, proposal writing, staffing, research execution, budget management, and delivery of high‑quality results.
• Leadership of a research organization: labor planning across projects, budget oversight, capability presentations to sponsors, hiring, coaching, and mentoring.
• Superior writing and presentation abilities.
• Proven success leading teams of engineers/scientists and collaborating on multi‑organization, multi‑disciplinary projects.
• Experience and exposure in one or more areas of C5ISRT.
• Active SECRET government security clearance; TS or above is desired.

Minimum Education & Experience

If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) – Principal Professional: Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

If filled as Technical Engineering Project Manager (ARL) – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

No specific certifications are required.

Salary & Benefits

Salary range: $105,900.00 – $231,000.00.

Penn State offers a competitive benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; robust retirement plans; paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick leave); and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children. For full details, see the Penn State Benefits Page.