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, programming, and integrating radio technologies into tactical, deployable military systems. Technologies include software defined radios and acoustic modems that span the full spectrum of acoustic, radio, and mmWave frequencies supporting operations on land, air, maritime, and space, to enable improved situation 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 the technical execution of research, development, and prototyping of systems for a wide range of customers in the DoD and IC
Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
Lead and assure the proper execution of sponsored research
Embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate
Required skills/experience areas include:
Technical team and/or program management
Electronics design and assembly
Digital Signal Processing
Embedded Microcontrollers and FPGA programing
Linux and RTOS operating systems
Ability to navigate and thrive in a setting where diverse communication styles and organizational strategies are essential
Successful handling of sensitive/classified information
Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher
Preferred skills/experience areas include:
A Master’s degree
Driven technology development environment
Field-testing of systems at Federal Government facilities
Active TS/SCI security clearance
Your working location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. You will be required to travel to support operations at Federal facilities, including test ranges.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
19+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
5+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience
Required Certifications:
None
Penn State/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/CLEARANCES
Employment 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 & BENEFITS
The 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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