Signals Implementation Department Head (Faculty)

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Sep 25, 2025
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS We are seeking a Department Head for the Signals Implementation Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will direct a team in designing, programming, and integrating new and upgraded software algorithms into multiple DoD and IC systems. Technologies include near-real-time software and systems, signal processing, machine learning, and related applications. This position works out of ARL's University Park, PA location and is eligible for limited remote work, although extended periods of in-facility work may be required. 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 technical activities of approximately 10 Research and Development Engineers, as well as performing their associated hiring, training, mentoring, tasking, and performance review process Communicate frequently with sponsors and associate contractors Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation 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 Faculty rank will be commensurate with education and experience. Minimally requires a Master's degree in an engineering or science discipline and 1 year related experience. Required skills/experience areas include: Active TS/SCI security clearance Proven technical team and/or program management Proven ability to work successfully within a community of multiple contractors working various aspects of the same problem set Excellent verbal and written communications skills Development, delivery, integration, and testing of containerized software Proven competence working within Linux-based environment Ability to navigate and thrive in a highly dynamic work environment requiring diverse communication styles Successful handling of sensitive/classified information Preferred skills/experience areas include: Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering Experience in designing, orchestrating and conducting technical design reviews and field tests Experience working within the security and IT frameworks applied to DoD and IC sponsored programs Your working location will be on-site in State College, PA. Most work will take place in an RF emissions-free zone which prohibits the presence any personal smartphone or wearable, or any other item containing an RF receiver, transmitter, or computer data interface. There will be occasional travel to designated sponsor or associate contractor locations within and outside the continental United States. 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 topossess 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. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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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