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Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department Head (FACULTY)

Penn State University
University Park, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 10 Oct 2025

About the role

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

 

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice 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,

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Company

Penn State University

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