Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department Head

We are searching for an Operations Research and Systems Analysis (ORSA) Department Head to join our Model-Based Engineering (MBE) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The ORSA Department provides system analysis, concept of operations, and requirements analysis to external customers and for internal programs  department utilizes a full spectrum of operations research and analysis tools including game theory, Pareto analysis, multi-objective resource allocation, random variables, physics-based assessments, design of experiments and multi-criteria decision support.

This diverse team leverages expertise that spans physical sciences, electrical/industrial/mechanical engineering, computer science, and mathematics. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty.

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

• Develop and execute the strategic vision, goals, and plans of the ORSA Department in concert with the MBE Division, the Undersea Systems Office (USO), and ARL/Penn State
• Work closely with the leadership of all USO programs requiring ORSA expertise to properly plan, staff, and execute those programs
• Participate in new customer development efforts and business generation
• In coordination with MBE and USO leadership, define department performance expectations and ensure performance standards are met
• Recruit and retain highly capable engineers to advance the core competency of the department
• Facilitate personnel to create and explore innovative technologies and research opportunities
• Execute technical tasks as assigned by MBE and USO leadership

• Contribute to the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical engineering products, systems, and subsystems
• Investigate and evaluate practical applicability of scientific theories and engineering principles to develop and improve various engineering systems; identify technical approach for solving problems and meeting customer/grantor needs
• Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results and follow operations through a series of related detailed steps or processes
• Conduct experiments/tests in the laboratory/field to test, prove, or modify theoretical propositions on basis of research findings and experiences of others researching in related technical areas; may include taking measurements and recording observations, collecting, compiling, and processing data; may include planning/designing experiments or tests and supervising the execution thereof
• Initiate or contribute data/analysis/design for use in technical reports, documents, proposals, papers, or oral/written presentations
• Manage projects of varying size and scope, including technical elements, budget/schedule implications, and communication with sponsor(s)
• Interact in a collaborative manner with other team members, engineers, and scientists to accomplish organizational goals; provide innovative problem-solving approaches to enhance organizational capabilities
• Initiate or contribute to business development activities (i.e., white papers, proposals, etc.)
• May supervise the work of lower-level staff and undergraduate students

• Extensive operations research experience
• Leading technical projects
• Mentoring and developing staff
• Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
• Demonstrated ability to work through a difficult problem, using proper steps to define and formulate ideas to reach a solution
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required

• Master’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, Acoustics, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, or a related field
• Operations Research experience in the underwater domain, including familiarity with undersea systems

Your…