High Energy Laser Department Head

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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a High Energy Laser Department Head to join our Electro-Optics and Electronics Division of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The High Energy Laser Department focuses on advancing the state of the art in many areas of high energy laser weapon system development, including sensor components, systems analysis and manufacturing technology improvements, providing superior technical performance to enhance warfighter capability. This position works out of ARL’s Freeport, PA location. This position may 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:

• Lead a multi-disciplinary, diverse staff in the development, integration, and evaluation of high power laser systems and sensors
• Perform engineering work related to high power laser, electro-optic and infrared (EO/IR) systems across a broad application space
• Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of high energy laser 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 PSU and 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 and ARL
• Recruit, define performance expectations and goals, provide mentorship, and regularly evaluate and offer constructive feedback through conversation and performance reviews in order to support professional growth and effectively retain the department staff

Faculty rank will be commensurate with education and experience. Minimally requires a Masters' degree in an engineering or science discipline and 1 year related experience.

Required skills/experience areas include:

• High energy laser system development, hardware, as well as the software and signal processing aspects
• 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 high energy laser systems
• Experience supporting DoD (Department of Defense) acquisition and/or sustainment programs
• Demonstrated success leading teams 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

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• Familiarity with the application of electro-optics and high energy laser technologies in support of defense manufacturing and the industrial base
• Active government security clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI 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’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 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.

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 ourBenefits 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.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines