Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering Division Head

Application Instructions

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We are searching for a Division Head to lead our Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) Division within the Materials, Manufacturing, and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The AMME Division develops, validates, and transitions materials and manufacturing processes for the Navy, Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers. This role may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer (Principal or Senior Professional) or a non‑tenure Research Faculty.

• Lead a group of scientists and engineers in developing and transitioning technology, including strategic planning for program development, technology investment, sponsor development, and marketing of division technologies.
• Mentor faculty and staff, develop principal investigators, and provide opportunities for program development, sponsor presentations, and technical publications.
• Establish a vision for AMME that identifies new technologies, equipment, and facilities needed for division projects.
• Manage the AMME research portfolio through interaction with sponsors, department heads, faculty, and staff.
• Collaborate with ARL management to implement ARL’s strategic plan and ensure AMME is represented in management meetings.
• Serve as technical leader representing AMME within ARL and the sponsor base.
• Work with other divisions and offices at ARL to identify and develop multidisciplinary research opportunities.
• Manage division budgets, personnel, and laboratory/facility resources.
• Recruit and retain high‑performing faculty and staff.
• Develop relationships with university faculty while securing affiliations with targeted academic departments.

• Demonstrated success leading and mentoring multidisciplinary teams in a research environment.
• Demonstrated success developing and transitioning new programs and technologies, including proposal writing and presentations.
• Strong technical capabilities in one or more AMME technologies.
• Past success partnering with the federal government, especially NAVSEA, and building a strong sponsor base.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement an organizational strategic vision.
• Effective presentation skills at all levels, conveying information to drive action or decision.
• Past success recognizing organizational inefficiencies and implementing meaningful changes to improve the work environment.

• Management and technical leadership in materials technology.
• Ability to navigate a complex, multi‑office organization and interact with Enterprise Operations functions such as Facilities, Security, IT, Business Office, HR, Purchasing, and Property.
• Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher.

Research and Development Engineer – Principal Professional:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 19+ years of relevant experience.
Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience.

The position is fully on‑site in State College, PA and requires periodic travel to remote locations.

All candidates must be U.S. citizens and must be able to obtain a government security clearance. Background checks and drug screening are required. Successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen is also required.

Salary range: $ – $. Geographic differential may apply. Full‑time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, vacation, sick leave, and a generous 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible family members.

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.