Department Head Supply Chain Engineering - FACULTY

Penn State University • University Park, IL

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Applied Sustainment Technologies (AST) Division of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Supply Chain Engineering Department. The Supply Chain Engineering Department advances data-driven sustainment solutions through operations research, applied mathematics, modeling and simulation, and advanced analytics to improve readiness, resilience, and lifecycle affordability and manufacturability of defense systems. The Department Head will provide strategic and technical leadership for a growing portfolio of research in supply chain engineering, operations research, and modeling & simulation. The Department Head will also shape and expand ARL’s capabilities in advanced analytics, digital engineering, and decision-support systems that directly impact national defense sustainment performance. This role requires a strong foundation in applied mathematics and system modeling, combined with demonstrated experience leading technical teams and managing complex DoD-sponsored programs. ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Leading research projects for supply systems stakeholders in the US Navy or Army
• Defense sustainment, readiness modeling, lifecycle cost analysis, or supply chain resilience
• Strong background in applied mathematics, optimization, stochastic processes, simulation, and complex systems modeling
• Demonstrated expertise in modeling and simulation methodologies (e.g., discrete-event simulation, agent-based modeling, system dynamics, hybrid modeling approaches)
• Applying quantitative methods to logistics, maintenance, supply chain systems, or large-scale enterprise operations
• Supporting DoD or other federal government programs
• Proven supervisory or technical leadership experience
• Demonstrated success transitioning research capabilities into operational implementation
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
• Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
• Active security clearance or eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.) degree in Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field (candidates actively pursuing a doctoral degree will be considered)
• Minimum 14 years of relevant experience in applied research, modeling and simulation, or advanced analytics

Responsibilities

• Provide organizational leadership to the Supply Chain Engineering Department, including employee management, recruitment, development, technical direction, and retention
• Establish and execute a strategic vision for research and development in supply chain engineering, operations research, and modeling and simulation aligned with DoD sustainment priorities
• Serve as a Principal Investigator and/or Program Manager on ARL programs, leveraging expertise in applied mathematics, system modeling, and simulation to ensure successful technical and programmatic execution
• Lead the development of advanced analytical models, digital twins, optimization frameworks, and simulation environments for logistics, maintenance, and enterprise sustainment systems
• Oversee execution of projects involving large-scale data analysis, predictive analytics, and decision-support tools for military and intelligence community applications
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers, computer scientists, logisticians, and domain experts to solve complex sustainment and readiness challenges
• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with government sponsors, industry partners, and academic collaborators to ensure programs meet customer requirements and support ARL’s strategic mission
• Drive transition of analytical tools, models, and decision-support technologies from research to operational implementation
• Plan and direct research programs with substantial impact on national defense sustainment strategy and enterprise logistics performance
• Coordinate cross-disciplinary research and development activities involving applied mathematics, systems engineering, software development, artificial intelligence, and enterprise data architectures
• Devise and lead initiatives addressing extremely complex supply chain and readiness challenges affecting current and future defense systems
• Identify emerging trends in supply chain resilience, digital engineering, AI-enabled logistics, stochastic modeling, and advanced optimization techniques
• Propose and lead major new initiatives of national significance; direct and/or participate in major proposal preparation and sponsor engagements
• Contribute to the strategic planning and growth objectives of the AST Division and MMSO
• Mentor staff in the development of technical depth, project leadership, sponsor engagement, 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: Manager