New

Polymer Composite Manufacturing Department Head

The Pennsylvania State University
paid time off, sick time, remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jun 07, 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 seeking a Department Head of Polymer Composite Manufacturing to join our team in the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Polymer Composites Manufacturing Department focuses on creating the development and optimization of materials processes for research, prototype development, and transition to implementation. Material systems of interest include fiber reinforced composites, multiple-material architectures, elastomers, additively manufactured structures as well as emergent technologies. The advanced inspection technologies and application of operational health monitoring represents a vital capability to achieve and maintain our historical implementations. 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: Lead a group of engineers, scientists, and support staff who are engaged in the development of manufacturing methods for material systems such as polymers, fiber-reinforced polymer composites, ceramic/ metal matrix composites, ceramics, and multimaterial systems Lead the development of proposals and projects that further our knowledge of polymer-based systems Provide project updates to sponsors, present research findings at conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals Collaborate with engineers in other technical areas across ARL Plan, staff, and execute programs to ensure all departmental staff and faculty are appropriately and sufficiently tasked at all times Recruit, retain, and define performance expectations of department staff and faculty Identify professional development and training opportunities Mentor and encourage creativity in innovative technologies and research Evaluate professional growth through performance reviews Required skills/experience areas include: Broad knowledge of manufacturing processes for polymers, polymer composites, and multimaterial systems Familiarity with non-destructive inspection methods Demonstrated success leading a team of engineers/scientists Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture Proposal and technical writing skills Preferred skills/experience areas include: Active government security clearance Familiarity with repair and sustainment of composites Familiarity with elastomeric materials Knowledge of mechanical and thermo-mechanical testing and characterization of composites Previous success fabricating test articles, prototypes, and/or final parts Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - 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 Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu. 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. SALARY & BENEFITS The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $109,300.00 - $219,600.00.THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL 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