New

Fluids Machinery Department Head

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Oct 13, 2026
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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants. POSITION SPECIFICS Your working location will be fully onsite located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. We are searching for a Department Head to join our Fluids Machinery Department of the Fluid Mechanics Divisionat the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. In this role, you will contribute to and direct the work and growth of a team whose focus is the design, analysis and testing of turbomachinery and devices for the motion and control of fluids, ranging in technical maturity from fundamental physics to fabricated devices, and in size from small-scale models to full-scale propulsion systems for UUV's, surface ships and submarines. Mentorship and business development will be significant components of this position. 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: Provide organizational leadership to a growing group of Engineers, to include employee management, recruitment, development, retention, and technical direction Direct technical excellence, cost control and on-time delivery of work Lead the technical execution of research, design, development and testing of turbomachinery systems for a range of U.S. Government and Industry customers Provide subject matter expertise in the areas of turbomachinery, fluid dynamics and cavitation Develop and maintain long-term professional relationships with sponsors and relevant stakeholders Oversee the development of proposals for new programs Embrace ARL's mission to discover, demonstrate, transition and educate Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes: Provide technical and managerial leadership for research and development programs, establishing technical vision, priorities, and standards across one or more engineering disciplines Lead and oversee small or moderate size and scope projects, ensuring technical rigor, feasibility, quality, cost effectiveness, and on-time execution Guide concept development, design analyses, and problem resolution by independently evaluating and applying appropriate scientific and engineering methods to meet sponsor and customer needs Manage, mentor, and develop engineering staff, including hiring, performance management, workforce planning, and professional development Serve as a primary technical and managerial point of contact for sponsors and partners; maintain external research relationships and contribute to business development through identification of funding opportunities and proposal development Review and author technical reports, publications, and presentations; represent the organization in technical reviews and collaborations Ensure compliance with applicable DoD, University, safety, security, and export control requirements, while collaborating across teams to advance organizational goals Required Skills/Experience areas include: Fluid mechanics or aerodynamics Taking an idea from concept through design and analyses into test-validated hardware Proposal writing and subsequent securing of funding. Past success in leadership of technical personnel Past success in management of sponsored programs Strong presentation and communication skills, both technical and inter-personal Design and execution of experiments utilizing wind or water facilities Active security clearance, at the Secret level or higher Preferred Skills/Experience areas include: Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field Numerical modeling of fluids and systems using MATLAB or Simulink Solid modeling and CAD systems MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 14+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website atwww.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES 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 government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00. Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. 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 our Benefits 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. EEO IS THE LAW 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. Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster PA State Labor Law Poster Penn State Policies Copyright Information Hotlines