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Electromagnetic Effects & Applications Department Head

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Nov 05, 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 Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department to join our team within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions (S3) Division under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will report directly to the Director of the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division and direct a team of research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel in architecture, design, integration, and testing of RF and Microwave systems for multiple Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) sponsors. Technologies include medium-to-high-power RF emitters, waveform design, propagation analysis, RF circuits and radiating systems, and related applications. 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 the team, including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and coaching sessions/performance evaluations
  • Lead department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure growth is aligned and sustainable
  • Maintain regular communication with sponsors and associate contractors
  • Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation of systems for a wide range of customers in the DoD and IC
  • Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work
  • Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
  • Lead and assure the proper execution of sponsored research
  • Lead a high performing and collaborative team across engineering, scientific, and support functions, fostering a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional growth, and embrace ARL's mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Principal investigator, technical lead, program management, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts
  • Record of securing and sustaining external funding in technical areas related to electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation, radio frequency spectrum research, electromagnetic effects, signals processing, and/or general electrical engineering skill sets
  • Development, field-testing, delivery, and integration of technology
  • Proven competence working within 3D EM analysis software (e.g. CST Studio Suite, Remcom EM simulation software)
  • Success in dynamic environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; TS/SCI clearance level is preferred

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • PHD or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related
  • MBA with Electrical Engineering
  • Research, military, or government environment
  • Designing, orchestrating, and conducting technical design reviews and field tests
  • Security and IT frameworks applied to DoD and IC sponsored programs
  • Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require occasional travel to designated sponsor or associate contractor locations within and outside the continental United States.

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

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.

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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