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Engineering Department Head Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position can be filled as a Research and Development Engineer or a non-tenure Research Faculty ... None If filled as Department Head (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor ...

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Engineering Department Head information

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How much do engineering department head jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering department head in the United States is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $15.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering department head?

Engineering Department Heads are senior leaders responsible for overseeing all operations within an engineering department of an organization. They manage teams of engineers, set departmental goals, allocate resources, and ensure projects are completed efficiently and to required standards. Additionally, they play a critical role in strategic planning, talent development, and fostering innovation within the engineering team. Their leadership ensures the technical direction and objectives of the company are achieved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering department head?

To thrive as an Engineering Department Head, you need extensive experience in engineering principles, project management, and leadership, often supported by an engineering degree and relevant managerial experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software, project management tools, and certifications such as PMP or PE are typically required. Outstanding communication, strategic thinking, and team-building abilities help you motivate teams and drive organizational goals. These skills ensure effective leadership, efficient project delivery, and alignment of technical teams with business objectives.

What are some typical challenges faced by an engineering department head, and how can they be effectively managed?

As an Engineering Department Head, you may encounter challenges such as balancing strategic planning with day-to-day operational demands, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring timely project delivery while maintaining high quality standards. Effective management often involves strong communication skills, the ability to delegate tasks appropriately, and fostering a collaborative team culture. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and implementing continuous improvement processes can also help address these challenges and drive the department’s success.

What is the difference between Engineering Department Head vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering Department HeadMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, strategic planningDesign, analyze, and develop mechanical systems
Industry UsageUsed in organizations with multiple engineering teamsUsed in product design, manufacturing, R&D

The Engineering Department Head focuses on leadership, management, and strategic oversight of engineering teams, while Mechanical Engineers concentrate on designing and developing mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Department Head emphasizes leadership and project management, whereas Mechanical Engineers focus on technical expertise and innovation.

What cities are hiring for Engineering Department Head jobs?

Cities with the most Engineering Department Head job openings:

What states have the most Engineering Department Head jobs?

States with the most job openings for Engineering Department Head jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Department Head jobs?

For Engineering Department Head jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Engineering Department Head job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,874 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Electromagnetic Effects & Applications Department Head

On-site, Remote

The Pennsylvania State University
Education • 11 - 50 employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the daily activities of the team, including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and performance evaluations

  • Lead department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, proposal development, and risk mitigation

  • Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation of RF and Microwave systems for DoD and IC sponsors


Job description

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 location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are seeking a Department Head for the Electromagnetic Effects and Applications Department to join our team within the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions (S3) Division under the All-Domain Analytics and Signatures Office at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. You will report directly to the Director of the Spectrum and Signatures Solutions Division and direct a team of research engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel in architecture, design, integration, and testing of RF and Microwave systems for multiple Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) sponsors. Technologies include medium-to-high-power RF emitters, waveform design, propagation analysis, RF circuits and radiating systems, and related applications. This position can be filled as 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:

  • Manage the daily activities of the team, including hiring, training, mentoring, task assignment, and coaching sessions/performance evaluations
  • Lead department operations including strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, facilities, proposal development, and risk mitigation to ensure growth is aligned and sustainable
  • Maintain regular communication with sponsors and associate contractors
  • Lead the technical execution of research, development, prototyping, and implementation of systems for a wide range of customers in the DoD and IC
  • Direct technical excellence, cost control, and on time delivery of work
  • Oversee the development of plans and proposals for new programs
  • Lead and assure the proper execution of sponsored research
  • Lead a high performing and collaborative team across engineering, scientific, and support functions, fostering a culture of excellence, cohesion, and professional growth, and embrace ARL's mission to discover, demonstrate, transition, and educate

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Principal investigator, technical lead, program management, or senior contributor on applied and basic research efforts
  • 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
  • Development, field-testing, delivery, and integration of technology
  • Proven competence working within 3D EM analysis software (e.g. CST Studio Suite, Remcom EM simulation software)
  • Success in dynamic environments where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
  • Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented culture
  • Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Secret level or higher; TS/SCI clearance level is preferred

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • PHD or Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related
  • MBA with Electrical Engineering
  • Research, military, or government environment
  • Designing, orchestrating, and conducting technical design reviews and field tests
  • Security and IT frameworks applied to DoD and IC sponsored programs
  • Active TS/SCI Security Clearance

Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. This position will require occasional travel to designated sponsor or associate contractor locations within and outside the continental United States.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as 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 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 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 web site at www.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.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $161,004.00 - $298,800.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In 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 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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