Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Applied Electromagnetics and Signature Management Department Head. The role requires directing a team of engineers in test and evaluation procedures, prototype development, and lab and outdoor testing for DoD and IC sponsored systems. The Department Head will manage research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel while ensuring technical excellence, strategic growth, and collaboration within the Applied Research Laboratory’s Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division.

Highlights

Lead and manage daily technical activities of 5-10 research and development engineers.
Oversee strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, proposal development, and risk mitigation.
Direct research, development, prototyping, and implementation of RF test systems, EMI troubleshooting, EM materials characterization, and radar system testing.
Communicate regularly with government sponsors and associate contractors.
Require active TS/SCI clearance and experience as a Principal Investigator or program manager securing external funding.
Experience with 3D EM analysis software (e.g., CST Studio Suite) and RF/microwave lab instruments (e.g., network and spectrum analyzers).
Preferred qualifications include PhD in Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics, experience managing electromagnetic test facilities, and military or IC service.
The position can be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty with varying experience requirements (5+ to 19+ years) and requires a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or science.
Salary range from $109,300 to $219,600, potentially adjusted for geographic differential, with comprehensive benefits including a 75% tuition discount.
On-site position at Penn State University Park with occasional travel; remote work is not eligible.

Applied Electromagnetics and Signature Management Department Head Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Department Head for the Applied Electromagnetics and Signature Management (AESM) Department to join the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will direct a team of engineers in designing test and evaluation procedures, developing prototypes, and implementing lab-based and outdoor testing of systems for multiple DoD and IC sponsors. Technologies include radio-frequency (RF) test system development, electromagnetic interference (EMI) test and troubleshooting, electromagnetic (EM) materials characterization, and radar-system testing. You will report directly to the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division Head and be responsible for managing the division's research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. This position works out of ARL's University Park, PA location and is not eligible for remote work. This position can be filled as 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.

You will:

Act as a trusted agent to government sponsors
Manage the daily technical activities of approximately 5-10 Research and Development Engineers, as well as performing their associated hiring, training, mentoring, tasking, and performance review process
Lead Department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities challenges, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure growth is both sustainable and aligned
Communicate frequently with sponsors and associate contractors
Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation of systems for a wide range of customers in the DoD and IC
Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work
Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
Lead and assure the proper execution of sponsored research
Foster a culture of excellence, cohesion and professional development; lead comprehensive, high performing and collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; embrace ARL's mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate

Required skills/experience areas include:

Active TS/SCI clearance required
Strong executive presence and polished communication skills- able to articulate needs, requirements and impact clearly to diverse audiences in various formats
Principal Investigator, technical lead, program management or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts, with a record of securing and sustaining external funding in technical areas related to RF test system development, radar testing, materials characterization, and EMI characterization and troubleshooting
In-the-field testing with active-duty military personnel
Work within 3D EM analysis software (e.g. CST Studio Suite)
RF/microwave laboratory instrumentation (e.g. network analyzer, spectrum analyzers, materials characterization fixtures)
Success in environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Successful handling of sensitive/classified information

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Experience in managing electromagnetic test facilities
PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field
Radar test and evaluation
Work within the security and IT frameworks applied to DoD and IC sponsored programs
Military or IC service

Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA. There will be occasional travel to designated sponsor or associate contractor locations within and outside the continental United States.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position

requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science19+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

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).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCESEmployment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $219,600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Hotlines

Original Job Description