Department Head – Sensor Command & Control Department - FACULTY -FREEPORT, PA

The Pennsylvania State University • Freeport, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Electro-Optics and Electronics (EOE) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) for the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Sensor Command and Control (SCC) Department. SCC provides intelligence to the Electro-Optics (EO) and Electronics systems within the Division. This includes: electronic and firmware control of directed energy and imaging systems; monitoring and safety systems; test set development, including hardware and software loop (HWIL/SIL); and user interface (UX) design through visualizations, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). This position reports to the EOE Division Head, works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location, and 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.

Requirements

• A technical BS degree in a related field such as Physics, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering and a minimum of ten years of experience in managing projects related to sensor command and control
• Developing and managing projects for DoD applications
• Broad understanding of electro-optics & electronics systems and the integration of the supporting software, control and other electronic design options as it relates to DoD system applications
• Substantial knowledge / awareness in electro-optical system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Demonstrated success in transitioning technology from the laboratory to implementation
• 5+ years' experience of proven supervisory or project leadership
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced degree in a related field
• Significant leadership experience within DoD EO and electronic systems
• Modernization of communications and electronics warfare systems
• Advancing the convergence of sensing and software
• Systems engineering-related skills, experience, and/or training
• Security clearance preferred; current eligibility for access to classified information at the secret level or higher and maybe subject to government background investigation to upgrade clearance, eligibility if required.

Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership to the Sensor Command & Control Department including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention
• Serve as a principal investigator and manager on department programs, leveraging subject matter expertise in the areas of sensor hardware electronic and software integration, applying leadership and systems engineering expertise to ensure successful programs
• Execute projects involving the design and development of prototype electro-optics and electronic systems for military and intelligence community applications
• Basic and applied research in the development, integration, and evaluation of high performance EO systems and sensors, working closely with a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, scientists, industry, and government stakeholders to solve EO problems and develop solutions supporting military and IC customers
• Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of high performance EO & electronic systems
• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL’s position of trust and contribute to the strategic mission of the EOE Division
• Plan and direct research projects that have substantial impact that extends knowledge and understanding; plan, organize, and supervise the work of staff scientists, engineers and technicians
• Coordinate research and development activities between disciplines involving exploration of subject area, definition of scope and selection of problems for investigation, and development of novel concepts and approaches
• Devise, plan, and lead projects solving extremely complex problems that impact the design success of current products or address broad design issues of future products or technologies
• Propose and lead new initiatives, guide programs of national or international significance, identify future problems, research trends and opportunities, and direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and presentation
• Participate and contribute to ARL's strategic plan
• Mentor assigned staff in the development of technical, project, and business development skills

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level