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POSITION SPECIFICS
We are seeking a Department Head for the Systems Manufacturing Department (SMD) of the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty member.
The Systems Manufacturing Department is a newly established organization dedicated to bridging the critical gap between laboratory innovation and full-scale production and lifecycle capabilities. Its mission is to enable the transition of system-level designs from laboratory proto@types to scalable, industry-led full-rate production through advanced manufacturing methods and tools. The department leverages data-driven approaches to improve the manufacturing and lifecycle maintenance of DoD systems and delivers tools to enhance manufacturing efficiency across key portions of the Defense Industrial Base.
ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:
Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
Manage department budgets, resources, and capital equipment investments
Provide strategic vision and technical direction for the department's research and development portfolio
Build, mentor, and lead a diverse team of engineers, scientists, and technical staff
Communicate technical achievements and capabilities to senior leadership and external partners
Ensure the quality and rigor of technical deliverables and research outputs
Guide the development of lifecycle maintenance and sustainment solutions
Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations; correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow operations through a series of detailed steps or processes
Conduct experiments and tests in laboratory and field environments to validate or refine theoretical concepts. This may include taking measurements, recording observations, collecting and processing data, and planning or designing experiments while supervising execution.
Initiate or contribute data, analysis, and design content for technical reports, proposals, publications, and presentations
Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include:
Support the development of a comprehensive roadmap for manufacturing technology transition initiatives
Identify critical manufacturing challenges affecting DoD systems and the Defense Industrial Base
Lead the development of data-driven planning and manufacturing solutions, including digital manufacturing tools
Establish technical partnerships with industry, academia, and other government organizations
Build strategic relationships with Defense Industrial Base stakeholders, including shipyards and suppliers
Coordinate with other laboratory departments to ensure integrated solutions
Provide technical oversight and guidance on advanced manufacturing methods and tools
Required skills/experience areas include:
Demonstrated success leading individual research projects and portfolios, including developing technical concepts, writing proposals, staffing projects, conducting research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results
Deep knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and methodologies, including digital manufacturing and data analytics concepts
Manufacturing challenges in complex systems (e.g., maritime, aerospace)
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Demonstrated success in writing white papers or reports
Demonstrated success leading teams of engineers and scientists, and collaborating across large, multidisciplinary, multi-organization projects
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; candidates may be subject to a government background investigation to obtain or upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Demonstrated success leading individual research projects and portfolios, including developing technical concepts, writing proposals, staffing projects, conducting research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results
Deep knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies and methodologies, including digital manufacturing and data analytics concepts
Manufacturing challenges in complex systems (e.g., maritime, aerospace)
Ability to express ideas successfully to drive understanding
Demonstrated success in writing white papers or reports
Demonstrated success leading teams of engineers and scientists, and collaborating across large, multidisciplinary, multi-organization projects
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; candidates may be subject to a government background investigation to obtain or upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Your work location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If 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
