Division Head - Computational Fluid Dynamics (FACULTY)

About the role

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. The CFD Division Head will lead a premier group of approximately fifteen of 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.

Responsibilities

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.

• 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 field of Computational Fluid Dynamics including but limited to code development, V&V, and applications in new and evolving tools and methodologies to solve complex flows
• Provide technical oversight of complex simulations and interface across the organization to ensure high quality research output
• Perform organizational leadership to the CFD Division, to include personnel management, recruitment, development, and retention of employees

Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: 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 or higher 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

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 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+

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.