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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Embedded Systems Department Head - **Company:** Pennsylvania State University - **Location:** State College, PA, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $161,004.0 - $298,800.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Cyber Security, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Performance Tuning, Real-Time Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Strategies of Testing, PIC Microcontroller, Software in the Loop, Bare Metal, Multiaccess Edge Computing - **Published:** July 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/apply/add/87771046/1 ## About the Role * Embedded hardware architectures (microcontrollers, SoCs, FPGAs) * Real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal programming * Hardware-software co-design and integration * Edge computing and edge analytics frameworks * Data acquisition systems and sensor integration * Automated control systems and algorithms * Cyber-resilient embedded system design * Testing methodologies (Hardware in the loop, software in the loop, etc.) * System integration methodologies * Embedded systems challenges in complex DoD systems (e.g., maritime, aerospace, ground vehicles, unmanned systems) * Past success using edge device deployment for operational environments including size, weight, and power (SWaP) constrained designs, environmental hardening and ruggedization, real-time performance optimization, and system security and anti-tamper techniques * Past success in writing white papers or reports * 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 Your working location will be fully on-site located in State College, PA. This role requires periodic travel to remote locations. MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Principal Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 19+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as R&D Engineer, Department Head (ARL) - 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 website atwww.arl.psu.edu. BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. ## Description We are searching for a department head for the Embedded Systems Department (ESD) of the Materials, Manufacturing and Sustainment Office (MMSO) at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Embedded Systems Department is dedicated to developing embedded hardware and software solutions in addition to driving integration of complex systems. The department focuses on real-time control and data acquisition, edge computing architectures, modular system architecture definition, integration methodologies, and test set development to include hardware in the loop and software in the loop. In this role, you will lead and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight. You will also establish partnerships with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories to transition cutting-edge embedded capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter. 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 and manage all aspects of the Embedded Systems Department, providing strategic direction, technical leadership, and operational oversight * Support division leadership in developing and maintaining relationships with sponsors in support of meeting funding objectives * Build and direct a multidisciplinary team focused on embedded systems architectures, complex systems integration, hardware-software integration, edge analytics, and mission-critical control systems * Lead individual research projects and portfolios including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing projects, conducting research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results * Provide technical oversight of embedded hardware and software development, ensuring quality and rigor of technical deliverables and research outputs * Transition cutting-edge embedded systems capabilities to operational platforms for the warfighter * Recruit, mentor, and develop staff with expertise in embedded systems, edge computing, and real-time control * Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and mission focus * Lead individual research projects and portfolios including developing technical concepts, writing winning proposals, staffing the project, conducting the research, managing budgets, and delivering high-quality results Additional responsibilities for the higher-level position includes: * Support development of a comprehensive roadmap for embedded systems and integration methodologies pertinent to systems of interest to the division including but not limited to missiles, hypersonics, and uncrewed aerial systems * Establish and maintain partnerships with customer program offices, defense contractors, systems integrators, and other government laboratories * Build strategic relationships with Defense Industrial Base stakeholders * Collaborate across ARL departments and with external stakeholders to integrate embedded solutions into larger system architectures ## Related Videos - [Making Teaching Code Less Academic and More Market-Ready - Peter Ruppel](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1911-making-teaching-code-less-academic-and-more-market-ready-peter-ruppel) - [Single Server, Global Reach: Running a Worldwide Marketplace on Bare Metal in a Cloud-Dominated World](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1206-single-server-global-reach-running-a-worldwide-marketplace-on-bare-metal-in-a-cloud-dominated-world) - [Thinking Differently - How to Make Money from Cyber Attacks & Cheats](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/745-thinking-differently-how-to-make-money-from-cyber-attacks-cheats) - [Rethinking Intelligence: AI, Accessibility, and the Future of Inclusive Work - Artur Ortega](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1377-rethinking-intelligence-ai-accessibility-and-the-future-of-inclusive-work-artur-ortega) - [Cyber Security: Small, and Large!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/259-cyber-security-small-and-large) - [Robots are coming into the wild! 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