Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics

We are searching for a Division Head for the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Division in the Fluid Dynamics and Acoustics Office (FDAO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. This role 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.

About the role

The CFD Division Head will lead a premier group of approximately fifteen engineers and research faculty in meeting the mission of bringing state-of-the-technology tools, talent, and leading-edge computational fluid dynamics to our DoD and industrial sponsors. The Division Head, along with immediate reports, will develop and mature business relationships and programs with other ARL offices, industry, and government sponsors. This critical role requires a blend of technical mastery in fluid dynamics, technical management, and personnel management in a mission-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform design and performance support analyses, using in-house and commercial CFD tools, for a broad range of applications, including undersea vehicles and propulsion, coupled hydrodynamics/hydroacoustics, low-speed and high-speed aerodynamics, and complex multi-physics systems.
• Lead technical developments and improvements in the field of Computational Fluid Dynamics including but not limited to code development, V&V, and applications in new and evolving tools and methodologies to solve complex flows. Projects may include but are not limited to cavitation and multiphase flows, vehicle maneuvering, turbomachinery, fluid-structure/fluid-acoustic interactions, drag reduction, signatures, and code optimization for modern HPC systems.
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and interface across the organization to ensure high-quality research output.
• Perform organizational leadership to the CFD Division, including personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees.
• Work with FDAO management team and other ARL offices to build the research portfolio, improve technical capabilities, and enhance cross-discipline cooperation and collaboration.

Requirements

• Master's degree or higher in an Engineering or Science discipline plus ten years of related experience.
• Past success as a Principal Investigator in this field.
• Strong research track record of computational fluid dynamics with a focus in hydromechanics, hydroacoustics, maneuvering and controls, propulsion systems, or related discipline.
• Previous success managing people with supervisory experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with past success in writing white papers or reports.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful history of proposed and awarded research projects evidenced through securing external research funding.
• Demonstrated leadership of multi-discipline research projects.
• Expert-level knowledge of high-performance computing architectures and information systems.
• Experience with STAR-CCM+.

Minimum Education & Experience

If filled as Division Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 19+ years of relevant experience

If filled as Division Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience

Schedule

Fully on-site located in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Pay

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $203,808.00 - $336,300.00.

Benefits

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• Substantial paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Generous 75% tuition discount for employees, eligible spouses, and children.