Cyber, Modeling and Simulation Division Head (Faculty)

Penn State University • Reston, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Division Head for the Cyber, Modeling and Simulation (CMS) Division to join the Information Advantage Office of the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. CMS. located in Reston, VA, specializes in delivering full-spectrum cyberspace superiority and information dominance to the warfighter through revolutionary research, rapid development, and operational integration of cyber-electromagnetic capabilities across contested environments. CMS consists of five departments: Risk Management, Cyberspace Operations, Digital Engineering, Cloud Technology Advancement, and Cyber Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations. The Division Head will report directly to the Head of the Information Advantage Office and will be responsible for managing the division’s research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. This position will be filled as either a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty. ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

Requirements

• Active TS/SCI Security Clearance
• Demonstrated leadership in technical program and personnel management, with experience operating in high- growth, mission-driven, and 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 technical areas related to electromagnetic propagation modeling and simulation, radio frequency spectrum research, electromagnetic effects, signals processing, and or general electrical engineering skill sets
• Strong executive presence and polished communication skills- able to articulate needs, requirements and impact clearly to diverse audiences in various formats
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizational dynamics, navigate conflict, lead through challenges and shape forward-looking strategies
• Demonstrated strength in business and/or program management capabilities, including experience managing budgets, staffing, performance management, and strategic planning
• Strong professional demeanor and interpersonal agility, with the ability to work effectively across organizational levels and with external sponsors, collaborators and partners, with a proven ability to establish credibility, influence outcomes, and build trust
• Minimally requires a Master's degree in an engineering or science discipline and 10 years' related experience

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Cyber, Modeling and Simulation (CMS) Division, guiding its emergence onto ARL’s, Penn State’s, and the broader national security landscape
• Build and lead comprehensive, high performing and 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 growth is both sustainable and aligned
• Build and maintain strong sponsor, academic, and industry relationships, actively shaping new opportunities and positioning CMS as a central contributor to ARL’s future
• Represent the division—and as needed, the larger organization— through polished, 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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive