Sensors, Signals and Software Department Head

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

We are searching for a Sensors, Signals and Software Department Head to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division within the Materials and Manufacturing Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. 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). The Sensors, Signals and Software Department focuses on advancing state of the art electro-optic sensor systems, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location and may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

You will:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary, diverse staff in the development, integration, and evaluation of high performance electro-optic systems and sensors
• Perform engineering work related to electro-optic and infrared systems across a broad application space
• Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of high performance electro-optic systems and sensors
• Provide project updates to sponsors, present research findings at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals
• Interact and collaborate regularly with program management, program sponsors and stakeholders
• Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with relevant manufacturers and system integrators, as well as with government sponsors, to ensure projects meet customer requirements and are consistent with ARL’s position of trust and strategic mission
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives and collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL
• Plan, staff, and execute programs to ensure all departmental staff are appropriately and sufficiently tasked at all times
• Foster an environment of collaboration across the department, division, office, and ARL
• Recruit, retain, and define performance expectations of department staff
• Mentorship, professional, and career development of department staff
• Evaluate professional growth through performance reviews

This position can be filled at multiple levels, depending upon successful candidate's education and experience. Minimally requires a Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering or Science discipline, plus 5 years of related experience. Additional experience and/or education are required for higher level positions.

Required skills/experience areas include:

• All aspects of electro-optical system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing that enable them
• Conceptualizing, developing, testing and fielding solutions that employ a broad range of electro-optical and infrared technologies including laser, communications, and imaging systems
• Expert knowledge of existing and emerging warfighter needs in the area of electro-optics such as intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance (ISR); soldier enhancement technologies, e.g., augmented vision and night vision; etc.
• Experience supporting DoD (Department of Defense) acquisition and/or sustainment programs
• Demonstrated success leading a team of engineers/scientists
• Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
• Excellent presentation skills and effective written and oral communication
• Proven track record of developing and growing business
• Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Familiarity with the application of electro-optics technologies in support of defense manufacturing and the industrial base, including remote inspection systems, machine vision, electro-optics manufacturing process improvements, etc.
• Active government security clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in Freeport, PA. A hybrid on-site/remote work schedule may be possible.

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

You will be subject to a government security investigation, and you must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

ARL is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; we believe this is central to our success as a Department of Defense designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are part of our workforce.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at .

**The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential.**

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades is:

$109,300.00 - $219,600.00

Salary Structure - additional information on Penn State's job and salary structure.