The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
Command, Control, and Communications Innovations Division Head
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University, University Park, Texas, United States
Command, Control, and Communications Innovations Division Head
The Division Head will lead the Command, Control, and Communications Innovations (C3I) Division within the Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. C3I focuses on innovative engineering approaches to hardware/software/firmware integration and research that maximize the human–machine team’s effectiveness. The Division consists of Integrated Communications; Applied Communications; Human-Machine Teaming; Electrical and Mechanical Solutions. The Division Head reports to the Head of the Information Advantage Office and will manage the division’s research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. Responsibilities
Provide strategic and technical leadership for the C3I Division, guiding its emergence as a new division within ARL, Penn State, and the broader national security landscape Build and lead comprehensive, high-performing, collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; foster a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional development Lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor, mission relevance, and effective communication of program goals, outcomes, and resource needs Manage division operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities challenges, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure sustainable growth Build and maintain strong sponsors, academic, and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities and positioning C3I as a central contributor to ARL’s future Represent the division—and as needed, the larger organization—through executive-level engagement with sponsors, ARL leadership, university stakeholders, and strategic partners Lead, manage, and continuously improve professional development, training, and onboarding Travel to remote locations in support of testing Required skills and experience
Active TS/SCI Security Clearance Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management in high-growth, mission-driven, research-oriented environments Experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts with a record of securing and sustaining external funding in areas related to electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation, RF spectrum research, electromagnetic effects, signals processing, or general electrical engineering Strong executive presence and polished communication skills capable of articulating needs and impact to diverse audiences Ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, and lead through challenges with forward-looking strategies Experience in business or program management, including budgeting, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility to work across organizational levels and with external sponsors and partners Note: Your work location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 19+ years of relevant experience; No required certifications If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience; No required certifications ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the DoD, and the Intel Community. For more information, visit www.arl.psu.edu. Background checks and security
Employment requires successful completion of background checks as per University policies. All ARL positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. A pre-employment drug screen is required. Salary & benefits
The salary range for this position is $123,200.00 – $219,600.00 (may be affected by geographic differential). Penn State offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents. For details, see the Benefits Page. Equal Opportunity
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you require an accommodation to use our online application process, please contact 814-865-1473.
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The Division Head will lead the Command, Control, and Communications Innovations (C3I) Division within the Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. C3I focuses on innovative engineering approaches to hardware/software/firmware integration and research that maximize the human–machine team’s effectiveness. The Division consists of Integrated Communications; Applied Communications; Human-Machine Teaming; Electrical and Mechanical Solutions. The Division Head reports to the Head of the Information Advantage Office and will manage the division’s research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. This position may be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. Responsibilities
Provide strategic and technical leadership for the C3I Division, guiding its emergence as a new division within ARL, Penn State, and the broader national security landscape Build and lead comprehensive, high-performing, collaborative teams across engineering, scientific, and support personnel; foster a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional development Lead interdisciplinary R&D programs from concept to delivery, ensuring technical rigor, mission relevance, and effective communication of program goals, outcomes, and resource needs Manage division operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities challenges, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure sustainable growth Build and maintain strong sponsors, academic, and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities and positioning C3I as a central contributor to ARL’s future Represent the division—and as needed, the larger organization—through executive-level engagement with sponsors, ARL leadership, university stakeholders, and strategic partners Lead, manage, and continuously improve professional development, training, and onboarding Travel to remote locations in support of testing Required skills and experience
Active TS/SCI Security Clearance Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management in high-growth, mission-driven, research-oriented environments Experience as a Principal Investigator, technical lead, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts with a record of securing and sustaining external funding in areas related to electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation, RF spectrum research, electromagnetic effects, signals processing, or general electrical engineering Strong executive presence and polished communication skills capable of articulating needs and impact to diverse audiences Ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, and lead through challenges with forward-looking strategies Experience in business or program management, including budgeting, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility to work across organizational levels and with external sponsors and partners Note: Your work location will be fully on-site in State College, PA. Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 19+ years of relevant experience; No required certifications If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science; 14+ years of relevant experience; No required certifications ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the DoD, and the Intel Community. For more information, visit www.arl.psu.edu. Background checks and security
Employment requires successful completion of background checks as per University policies. All ARL positions require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. A pre-employment drug screen is required. Salary & benefits
The salary range for this position is $123,200.00 – $219,600.00 (may be affected by geographic differential). Penn State offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, and a 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible dependents. For details, see the Benefits Page. Equal Opportunity
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you require an accommodation to use our online application process, please contact 814-865-1473.
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