Division Head-Engineering Systems R&D

We are searching for a division head for the Engineering Systems Research & Development (ESRD) Division of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC).

The ESRD Division serves as a key resource for fundamental mechanical and electrical engineering design and analysis, and technical execution for the integration and test of undersea vehicles and other complex undersea systems. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

• Lead a team of sixty engineers, engineering technologists, and engineering support specialists across five departments that are engaged in the design, development, integration and testing of complex undersea systems, including:
• Electro-mechanical release/deployment mechanisms
• Undersea acoustics and acoustic modems
• Optical fiber Communications
• Finite Element Analysis (structural and thermal)
• Advanced analog & digital circuit design and packaging
• Embedded & FPGA electronics design and programming
• Hardware, Software and Systems Integration and Test
• Complex mechanical system development, fab, and integration
• Electronic circuit board assembly, repair, and rework
• Build and test of complex cable/interconnect systems
• Develop and maintain the division technical expertise in core engineering disciplines, engineering process, and system concept definition from early development through transition to production
• Work closely with the Office leadership team to build and maintain trusted relationships with key sponsors and stakeholders, ensure the delivery of superior research products to our sponsors, and develop and execute strategic initiatives
• Provide project updates to sponsors and stakeholders, and lead in the development of new business for potential sponsors
• Recruit, develop, and retain extraordinary R&D engineering staff and faculty
• Oversee the planning, staffing and execution of programs to ensure all divisional staff and faculty are appropriately and sufficiently tasked at all times
• Provide a mix of high-level project management, engineering oversight, and technical expertise related to Undersea Systems and Undersea Connectivity
• Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration, definition of scope, and identification of problems for investigation

Required skills/experience areas include:

• Technical experience in the development of complex, mechanical and electrical systems
• Personnel management, recruitment, development, coaching, and mentorship of employees
• Successful technical management of large, multi-organization, multi-disciplinary projects
• Effective written and oral communication
• Ability to coordinate across units to ensure rigorous execution, sound research and engineering practices, and the highest standards of technical work are maintained
• Experience in proposing and leading new initiatives, including direction of and/or participation in major proposal preparation
• Experience with DoD, Navy, and industrial research funding activities
• Current eligibility to obtain a clearance at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA.