Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an Integrated Communications Department Head for its Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). The role involves managing a team of Research and Development Engineers focused on designing, building, and integrating multi-domain radio technologies for tactical, deployable systems supporting military and intelligence operations. Responsibilities include leading research, development, prototyping, and fostering customer relationships while overseeing technical and operational performance.

Highlights

Manage daily operations of approximately 8 R&D engineers including hiring, mentoring, and performance reviews.
Lead the design and integration of radio technologies such as software defined radios and acoustic modems across various frequency spectrums.
Direct research, development, and prototyping for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers.
Develop plans and proposals for new R&D programs in communications technologies.
Maintain current eligibility for Secret level or higher security clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
Technical skills required in areas like Electronic Circuit Design, RF, Digital Signal Processing, Embedded Microcontrollers, FPGA, Linux, and Real-Time Operating Systems.
Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in engineering, experience with field-testing at government facilities, and an active TS/SCI security clearance.
Position can be filled as Research and Development Engineer or non-tenure Research Faculty with varying years of experience (5+ to 19+ years).
Salary range from $109,300 to $219,600, dependent on experience and geographic differential.
On-site work in State College, PA with required travel to commercial and government test sites.

Integrated Communications 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 Integrated Communications Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will direct a multi-domain communications technologies team in designing, building, and integrating radio technologies into tactical, deployable systems. Technologies include software defined radios, acoustic modems, and communication protocols which span the full spectrum of acoustic, radio, and mmWave frequencies. Application designs supporting operations on land, air, maritime, and space, to enable improved situational awareness and faster decision-making in complex environments. 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:

Manage the daily activities of approximately 8 (with potential to grow) Research and Development Engineers, to include hiring, training, mentoring, tasking, and managing the performance review process
Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work
Lead and ensure the proper execution of research, development, and prototyping of systems for a wide range of customers in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligent Communities (IC)
Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
Technically contribute to programs in your area of expertise
Foster and develop relationships with government customers to expand the opportunities for the Integrated Communications Department

Required skills/experience areas include:

Technical Team Lead or Program Lead
Project management
Technical proficiency in one or more of the following: Electronic Circuit Design, Radio Frequency, Digital Signal Processing, Embedded Microcontrollers, FPGA Implementation, Linux, and/or Real Time Operating Systems
Ability to navigate and thrive in a setting with diverse communication styles and organizational strategies
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

A Master's degree in a related engineering field
Driven technology development environment
Field-testing of systems at Government facilities
Active security clearance at the TS/SCI level

Your working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. You will be required to travel to support operations at Commercial and Government facilities, including test ranges.

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.

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Original Job Description