Fluids Machinery Department Head

Penn State University•University Park, IL
•$161,004 - $298,800•Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for a Department Head to join our Fluids Machinery Department of the Fluid Mechanics Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you will contribute to and direct the work and growth of a team whose focus is the design, analysis and testing of turbomachinery and devices for the motion and control of fluids, ranging in technical maturity from fundamental physics to fabricated devices, and in size from small-scale models to full-scale propulsion systems for UUV’s, surface ships and submarines. Mentorship and business development will be significant components of this position. This position 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

  • Fluid mechanics or aerodynamics
  • Taking an idea from concept through design and analyses into test-validated hardware
  • Proposal writing and subsequent securing of funding.
  • Past success in leadership of technical personnel
  • Past success in management of sponsored programs
  • Strong presentation and communication skills, both technical and inter-personal
  • Design and execution of experiments utilizing wind or water facilities
  • Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher
  • Must be a U.S. citizen

Nice To Haves

  • Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field
  • Numerical modeling of fluids and systems using MATLAB or Simulink
  • Solid modeling and CAD systems

Responsibilities

  • Provide organizational leadership to a growing group of Engineers, to include employee management, recruitment, development, retention, and technical direction
  • Direct technical excellence, cost control and on-time delivery of work
  • Lead the technical execution of research, design, development and testing of turbomachinery systems for a range of U.S. Government and Industry customers
  • Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of turbomachinery, fluid dynamics and cavitation
  • Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with sponsors and relevant stakeholders
  • Oversee the development of proposals for new programs
  • Embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition and educate
  • Provide technical and managerial leadership for research and development programs, establishing technical vision, priorities, and standards across one or more engineering disciplines
  • Lead and oversee small or moderate size and scope projects, ensuring technical rigor, feasibility, quality, cost effectiveness, and on-time execution
  • Guide concept development, design analyses, and problem resolution by independently evaluating and applying appropriate scientific and engineering methods to meet sponsor and customer needs
  • Manage, mentor, and develop engineering staff, including hiring, performance management, workforce planning, and professional development
  • Serve as a primary technical and managerial point of contact for sponsors and partners; maintain external research relationships and contribute to business development through identification of funding opportunities and proposal development
  • Review and author technical reports, publications, and presentations; represent the organization in technical reviews and collaborations
  • Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, University, safety, security, and export control requirements, while collaborating across teams to advance organizational goals

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Robust retirement plans
  • Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
  • 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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