Deputy Division Head (FACULTY)

The Pennsylvania State University•University Park, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) is seeking a Deputy Division Head for the Materials Science & Applications (MSA) Division within the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office. The MSA Division comprises four departments: Advanced Manufacturing Process Development, Materials Characterization, Materials for Extreme Environments, and Electronic Materials and Devices. These departments execute research, design, and application of engineering development and manufacturing methodologies. The division’s mission is to develop and apply advanced manufacturing technologies that enhance military capabilities, including conceiving, developing, and characterizing innovative materials and manufacturing processes and transitioning them to defense applications. The Deputy Division Head collaborates with the Division Head and division personnel on relationships with sponsors and stakeholders, personnel development, facilities and equipment, multidisciplinary proposals and technical projects, business development, and program planning and execution. Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position include coordinating technical resources, managing risks, serving as a point of contact for sponsors and partners, ensuring compliance, advancing research concepts and capabilities, leading business development and cross-program technical coordination, and acting for the Division Head as delegated. The position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty. Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience. The role is fully on-site in State College, Pennsylvania, and requires periodic travel to remote locations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, hold an active Top Secret-level-or-higher security clearance, be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in ARL’s drug-testing program, and comply with applicable electronic and physical monitoring requirements.

Requirements

Active security clearance at the Top Secret level or higher.
Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance.
Must participate in the ARL drug-testing program and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors.
Ability to participate in the design, development, implementation, and analysis of products and systems to meet technical and operational requirements.
Ability to direct investigations and evaluations assessing the practical application of scientific theories and engineering principles.
Ability to participate in planning, execution, and analysis of laboratory and field experiments and testing activities.
Ability to support the development and preparation of technical reports, documentation, proposals, research papers, and presentations.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Division Head and division personnel to establish, strengthen, and maintain relationships with key sponsors and stakeholders.
Support recruitment, development, and retention of qualified division personnel.
Assist with employee performance evaluations, performance reviews, and professional growth and development.
Assist with acquiring, maintaining, and disposing of equipment and facilities that support division efforts.
Assist multidisciplinary teams in developing and executing proposals and technical projects.
Identify, develop, and pursue new business opportunities with current and prospective sponsors.
Support planning, staffing, and execution of programs in alignment with organizational objectives and sponsor requirements.
For the higher-level position, coordinate technical resources, manage risks, and resolve issues affecting project execution or program outcomes.
Delegate research and development authority as appropriate and establish accountability for subordinate managers and individual contributors within assigned areas.
Serve as a technical and managerial point of contact for sponsors, partners, and stakeholders; represent the division in technical meetings, reviews, and external collaborations as delegated.
Ensure compliance with DoD, University, ARL, safety, security, and export-control requirements across assigned programs and activities.
Lead development of new research concepts, technologies, and capabilities.
Lead business development activities, including identifying funding opportunities, developing white papers, and supporting proposal preparation.
Review and contribute to technical reports, publications, and presentations.
Lead teams of engineering managers, scientists, and organizational leadership to align technical efforts across programs, laboratories, and divisions.
Act on behalf of the Division Head as delegated, applying division policies, processes, and performance expectations and facilitating communication across the organization.
Participate in the design, development, implementation, and analysis of products and systems to meet technical and operational requirements.
Direct investigations and evaluations to assess practical applications of scientific theories and engineering principles.
Participate in planning, execution, and analysis of laboratory and field experiments and testing activities.
Support preparation of technical reports, documentation, proposals, research papers, and presentations.