Operations Research and Systems Analysis Department Head (STAFF)
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Job Location:
University Park, IL - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 109300 - 219600
Posted on:
13-10-2025
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
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 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
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:
Masters 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.
MINIMUM EDUCATION WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Principal Professional this position requires: Bachelors Degree - Engineering or Science 19 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional this position requires: Bachelors Degree - Engineering or Science 5 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional this position requires: Bachelors Degree - Engineering or Science 14 years of relevant experience Required Certifications: NoneARLs 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 .
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 $109300.00 - $219600.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**Salary Structure - Information on Penn States salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional 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 .
Key Skills
- Succession Planning
- Customer Service
- GM Vehicles
- Management Experience
- Retail Sales
- Performance Management
- Teaching
- Administrative Experience
- Budgeting
- Leadership Experience
- negotiation
- Research Laboratory Experience
About Company
Penn State is a major, public, research-I university serving Pennsylvania and the global community. Learn more about our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.
