The Agile Systems Engineering Department Head at Penn State University will lead a dedicated team of engineers and scientists focused on developing innovative engineering solutions for complex systems. Key responsibilities include managing project proposals, providing updates to sponsors, recruiting and mentoring staff, and ensuring that engineering methodologies are effectively implemented in alignment with departmental goals.

To be a strong candidate for the Agile Systems Engineering Department Head position at Penn State, applicants should minimally possess a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or science discipline, with at least 5 years of relevant experience. A Master’s Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or Systems Engineering is preferred, along with demonstrated leadership in systems engineering projects and an active SECRET security clearance.

The Agile Systems Engineering Department Head at Penn State plays a crucial role in fostering innovation through mentoring and encouraging creative approaches among staff. This includes identifying professional development opportunities, leading rapid prototyping initiatives, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the capabilities of complex engineering systems.

The role of Agile Systems Engineering Department Head at Penn State is pivotal for advancing national defense technologies. By leading research and development efforts in systems engineering, the department head supports the creation and rapid prototyping of innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the Navy, Department of Defense, and Intel Community, ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness of our warfighters.

Candidates can expect a collaborative and innovative work environment at Penn State's Applied Research Laboratory. The focus is on research and development with an emphasis on agility and rapid prototyping. The department encourages teamwork among engineers and scientists dedicated to finding solutions for complex challenges related to national defense.

When discussing your experience with systems engineering methodologies, be specific about how you have applied practices like model-based systems engineering or rapid prototyping. Share examples of projects where these methodologies led to successful outcomes, highlighting your role and contributions.

To effectively prioritize projects, it's essential to assess their urgency and impact on overall goals. Discuss methods you utilize for project management, such as scheduling regular team check-ins, using project management tools, and identifying dependencies. Showcase your ability to adapt priorities based on team capacity or changing requirements.

Highlight practices such as fostering an open dialogue for ideas, creating a safe space for failure, and organizing brainstorming sessions. Discuss specific instances where encouraging creativity led to successful project outcomes, showing your understanding of the importance of innovative thinking in systems engineering.

Effective stakeholder communication is key to project success. Provide strategies like establishing regular update meetings, maintaining transparency through progress reports, and actively soliciting feedback. Share experiences where clear communication resolved misunderstandings or strengthened collaborations.

Choose a project that showcases your leadership capabilities. Discuss initial goals, the team dynamics, and any specific challenges, such as time constraints or technical hurdles. Explain how you navigated those challenges toward successful project completion, emphasizing what you learned.

Describe your mentoring philosophy, emphasizing empowerment and hands-on guidance. Share examples of how you've helped junior engineers grow, such as through regular feedback sessions or by providing opportunities to lead smaller projects, reinforcing your commitment to developing talent.

Address conflicts by focusing on open communication and understanding different perspectives. Describe a situation where you facilitated a resolution, highlighting your conflict management skills and the positive outcomes that resulted from a collaborative approach.

Discuss specific metrics or Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that you have used to evaluate project success, such as meeting deadlines, staying within budget, or achieving performance targets. Share an example of how these evaluations impacted future project planning or team strategy.

Emphasize your commitment to professional development by mentioning industry conferences, seminars, or certifications you've pursued. Talk about specific topics you follow closely, like trends in agile methodologies or emerging technologies related to systems engineering.

Share your experiences related to proposal writing, including your understanding of key components like creating a compelling narrative and aligning project objectives with funding agency goals. Highlight any successful proposals where you played a pivotal role, demonstrating your capability in securing project funding.