Integrated Power Systems - Energy Conversion Department Head; FACULTY

Position: Integrated Power Systems - Energy Conversion Department Head (FACULTY)
## Integrated Power Systems - Energy Conversion Department Head (FACULTY)
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Penn State University Parktime type:
Full time posted on:
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* ** POSITION SPECIFICS
** We are searching for a decisive, forward‐thinking Department Head to lead the Integrated Power Systems – Energy Conversion (IPS‐EC) 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 IPS‐EC 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.
** Mission and Department Scope
** The IPS‐EC 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, heat‐engine subsystems, and compact integration of complete thermal engine systems.

IPS‐EC 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.

Responsibilities Include:

* Department and Division Leadership and Strategy
** Define and communicate the department’s long‐term technical vision, capability roadmap, and strategic priorities
* Ensure alignment of IPS‐EC work with ESPS, USO, and ARL mission needs
* Shape departmental investments, workforce development priorities, and future capability areas
* Talent Development and Organizational Management
** 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
* Program Execution and Technical Leadership
** Lead and manage large or multi‐phase 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…