Systems Manufacturing Department Head
About the role
We are seeking a Department Head for the Systems Manufacturing Department (SMD) of the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty member.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
- Manage department budgets, resources, and capital equipment investments
- Provide strategic vision and technical direction for the department’s research and development portfolio
- Build, mentor, and lead a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and technical staff
- Communicate technical achievements and capabilities to senior leadership and external partners
- Ensure the quality and rigor of technical deliverables and research outputs
- Guide the development of lifecycle maintenance and sustainment solutions
- Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations; correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow operations through a series of detailed steps or processes
- Initiate or contribute data, analysis, and design content for technical reports, proposals, publications, and presentations
- Support the development of a comprehensive roadmap for manufacturing technology transition initiatives
- Identify critical manufacturing challenges affecting DoD systems and the Defense Industrial Base
- Lead the development of data-driven planning and manufacturing solutions, including digital manufacturing tools
- Establish technical partnerships with industry, academia, and other government organizations
- Build strategic relationships with Defense Industrial Base stakeholders, including shipyards and suppliers
- Cook up with other laboratory departments to ensure integrated solutions
- Provide technical oversight and guidance on advanced manufacturing methods and tools
Requirements
- Demonstrated success leading individual research projects and portfolios, including developing technical concepts, writing proposals, staffing projects, conducting research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results
- Deep knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and methodologies, including digital manufacturing and data analytics concepts
- Manufacturing challenges in complex systems (e.g., maritime, aerospace)
- Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
- Demonstrated success in writing white papers or reports
- Demonstrated success leading teams of engineers and scientists, and collaborating across large, multidisciplinary, multi-organization projects
- Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; candidates may be subject to a government background investigation to obtain or upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Qualifications
- Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None
Skills
- None
Benefits
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
Pay
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00.
Schedule
Your work location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.