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Engineering and Laboratory Services Department Head

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, Warminster
995 Newtown Road (Show on map)
Mar 17, 2026
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 Engineering and Laboratory Services Department of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Engineering and Laboratory Services Department, located in Warminster, PA, focuses on 1) Supporting other departments in the research, design, development and transition of the electrical, mechanical, and software components and systems utilized in navigation applications, and 2) Assisting with laboratory and in-field testing. This position 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, test of high performance navigation systems and sensors
  • Plan, staff, and execute programs to ensure all departmental staff are appropriately and sufficiently tasked at all times
  • Recruit, retain, and define performance expectations of department staff
  • Develop, maintain, and utilize department staff and resources
  • Mentorship, professional, and career development of department staff
  • Evaluate professional growth through performance reviews
  • Foster an environment of collaboration across the department, division, office, and ARL
  • Support the execution of the department programs
  • Preparation and execution of department budgets
  • Proposal and project development
  • Support strategic planning initiatives
  • Interact and collaborate regularly with program management, program sponsors and stakeholders
  • Perform engineering work related to navigation integration and test

Required skills/knowledge include:

  • Strong engineering knowledge and background in the area of multi-disciplinary engineering design, implementation, and integration
  • Experience in rapid prototyping of navigation systems and sensors is highly desired
  • Project management skills required include producing project schedules, tracking critical paths, monitoring the progress of technical work, working with program managers and department heads to identify and resolve issues, and creating input for the generation of routine project reports.
  • Experience with navigation system integration and test
  • Expertise with PNT technologies which may include: Inertial Navigation, Global Positioning System, Alternative Navigation Technologies, Geophysical Navigation, Sonar Navigation
  • Excellent presentation skills and effective written and oral communication
  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance is required

Preferred skills/knowledge include:

  • An active Top Secret security clearance is preferred

This job posting is for an on-site position located in Warminster, PA. A hybrid on-site/remote work schedule may be possible.

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 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.

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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