New

Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department Head (FACULTY)

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Oct 10, 2025
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 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 at ARL. The 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 SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply. You will: 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 Additional responsibilities for higher-level positions include: 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 Non-tenure faculty rank will be commensurate with education level and experience. Required skills/experience areas include: 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 Preferred skills/experience areas include: 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 working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process. This position may require periodic travel to remote locations in support of project tasks. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates topossess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen. BENEFITS Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. 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. 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