Job Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

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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 Research and Development Engineer for the Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (SRTC) Department, within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division (S3) under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office (A2SO) of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. S3 specializes in research, development and application of technical solutions aimed at understanding, shaping and exploiting the electromagnetic environment to maintain advantage. S3 consists of 5 departments: Applied Electromagnetics and Signature Management; Electromagnetic Effects and Applications; Applied Signals and System Integration; Comprehensive Software Solutions; Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (SRTS). SRTS provides S3 and A2SO awareness of emerging Strategic Requirements emergent from the Special Operations, Sensitive Technical Operations, and key Intelligence Community partners. Further the department providers Technical Coordination and Support to this community by providing critical developmental support and the ability to assist in the design and implementation of technologies to support unique requirements. The SRTC Deputy Department Head will report directly to the SRTS Department Head and be responsible for assisting in managing the department’s research engineers and program managers, and liaise with Division Leadership in State College. This position will be filled as either 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:

Provide strategic and technical leadership within the Strategic Requirements and Technical Coordination (STRC) department and, as applicable, direct support to S3 Division and the Lab’s Mission
Support the development of technologies and operations to support an extremely sensitive and high-risk sponsor base
Maintain awareness of technology expertise across the ARL and actively pair that expertise with sponsors early in the development/design of sensitive technologies
Maintain awareness of emergent requirements and needs within the Special Operations, Special Technical, and Intelligence Communities, and pair those requirements with capability providers within ARL
Support the geographically displaced Program/Project Management team at multiple sponsor critical locations to include University Park, PA.
Build and lead comprehensive, high performing and collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel in support of Sponsor requirements
Build and maintain strong academic, and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities and positioning STRC as a critical mission partner across ARL divisions and offices
Secure funding and lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor, mission relevance, and effective communication of program goals, outcomes and resource needs
Be prepared to travel as required for sponsor engagements, technology conferences, and potential OCONUS testing and evaluation
Manage department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and proposal development.
Foster a culture of excellence, cohesion and professional development; lead comprehensive, high performing and collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; embrace ARL’s mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate
Act as Department Head in the absence

Required skills/experience areas include:

Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
Deep understanding of the current Strategic Operational Environment, to include DoD guidance and planning
Experience working directly for, or within Special Operations, Special Mission, or Intelligence Community units/activities, and the ability to liaise with and through these mission partners
Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management, with experience operating in high- growth, mission-driven, and research-oriented environments
Experience as a Principal Investigator, Technical Lead, Operational or Compartmented Planner, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts to support sensitive activities or special technical delivery
Strong executive presence and polished communication skills-able to articulate needs, requirements and impact clearly to diverse audiences in various formats
Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, lead through challenges and shape forward-looking strategies
Demonstrated strength in business and/or program management capabilities, including experience managing budgets, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning
Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility, with the ability to work effectively across organizational levels and with external sponsors, collaborators and partners, with a proven ability to establish credibility, influence outcomes, and build trust

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 - 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).

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 $123,200.00 - $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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