Department Head – Advanced Optical Systems

Penn State University

Freeport, PA, United States
$109,300.00 - $219,600.00 py
On-site
Optical systems design and development
Leadership and employee management
High-energy laser delivery systems
Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department within the Applied Research Laboratory. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing optical systems projects, particularly related to defense applications, and demonstrate strong leadership in research and development

Job Summary

  • Provide organizational leadership to the Advanced Optical Systems Department, including employee management, recruitment, development, and retention.
  • Serve as a principal investigator and program manager, leveraging subject matter expertise in optical systems and applying leadership and systems engineering principles to ensure program success.
  • Conduct basic and applied research in the development, integration, and evaluation of high-performance, novel, and complex optical designs—from concept through deployment.

Matching Summary

Match Score: 88

Penn State University is seeking a Department Head for the Advanced Optical Systems Department within the Applied Research Laboratory. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in managing optical systems projects, particularly related to defense applications, and demonstrate strong leadership in research and development.

Salary

$109,300.00 - $219,600.00

Skills & Requirements

Must-have

  • optical systems design and development
  • leadership and employee management
  • high-energy laser delivery systems
  • imaging and sensing systems
  • DoD applications support

Nice-to-have

  • emerging optical design approaches
  • systems engineering experience
  • collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
  • strategic plan contribution

Key Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in technical field
  • 10+ years of project management experience
  • 5+ years of supervisory experience
  • Experience with optical design software
  • Experience with coating and optics fabrication techniques

Work Rights

Must be a U.S. citizen

Tailored Resume

Cover Letter