Integrated Power Systems - Energy Conversion Department Head; FACULTY

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a decisive, forward thinking Department Head to lead the Integrated Power Systems - Energy Conversion (IPSEC) Department within the Energy Science and Power Systems (ESPS) Division of the Undersea Systems Office (USO) at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. The Department Head serves as the primary leadership interface between Division strategy and departmental execution. The role integrates people management, technical excellence, and mission execution into a coherent unit aligned to USO and ARL goals.

This is a key leadership role in a mission focused organization that develops next generation energy conversion technologies for critical national defense applications. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

The IPSEC Department Head is responsible for the strategic direction, technical excellence, personnel development, and execution performance of multidisciplinary engineering programs. This position requires a leader capable of shaping advanced power and energy technologies while ensuring the highest standards of scientific rigor, safety, and programmatic success.

The IPSEC Department delivers cutting edge research, design, analysis, and technology transition for energy conversion systems supporting thermal power plants for naval undersea platforms and other defense applications. The department's core competencies include turbo machinery, heat exchangers, fluid systems, pressure vessels, structural components, heatengine subsystems, and compact integration of complete thermal engine systems.

IPSEC operates in close collaboration with other ESPS departments and across USO, providing capabilities that enable fully integrated power solutions for current and future mission needs.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

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.

• Define and communicate the department's longterm technical vision, capability roadmap, and strategic priorities
• Ensure alignment of IPSEC work with ESPS, USO, and ARL mission needs
• Shape departmental investments, workforce development priorities, and future capability areas

• Recruit, develop, and retain exceptional engineering, research faculty, and student talent
• Build a high performing, collaborative, and innovative technical culture
• Establish clear expectations, conduct performance evaluations, and identify professional development pathways
• Ensure the department maintains the highest standards of technical excellence and safety

• Lead and manage large or multiphase technical projects, including planning, scheduling, coordinating, and overseeing major portions of project execution
• Evaluate and shape project goals and feasibility; convert technical concepts into actionable programs and identify opportunities for new research directions and applications
• Advance organizational technical capabilities by developing new methods, extending technologies into new domains, and driving innovation through creative problem solving and collaboration across a broad peer network

• Work closely with USO leadership, PMs, and PIs across ARL to coordinate resources and leverage capabilities
• Identify and pursue new research and business opportunities that advance ARL's mission and sponsor relationships (government and non-government)
• Nurture and maintain relationships with major customers of external research and develop technical proposals for future work

Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or a related scientific discipline
• Management of people, projects, and technical teams with a record of setting and meeting objectives
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following:
  Thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics; machine design and engineering mechanics; materials and materials selection; system-level test planning and execution; geometric dimensioning and tolerancing; program and project management
• Demonstrated success in writing white papers and reports

• Master's Degree or PhD in a relevant field

Your working location will be fully on site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a…