Remote Assistant Department Head Jobs
Remote Assistant Department Head jobs are open across the U.S. in sectors like healthcare, education, nonprofit management, and technology, at remote-first organizations and distributed teams that need experienced operational leaders. Employers hiring remotely right now include World Business Lenders and Penn State University. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
Your working location will be fully on-site and located in State College, PA. Options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This role may require periodic travel to remote locations.
We are searching for a Department Head to join our Embedded Software (ES) department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the U.S. Military.
The ES Department’s mission is to design, build, test, and deliver software and firmware for undersea systems. The department is responsible for designing, implementing, and integrating software for Science & Technology demonstrations as well as Engineering Development and In-Service system programs. The ES department serves as the leading resource for our Undersea Systems Office (USO) in real-time embedded software/firmware design, development, integration, and testing. 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 sustain a high-performing workforce through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, talent development, and employee engagement
- Establish the technical vision and strategic direction for the department, ensuring capabilities, resources, and investments align with office, division, and laboratory objectives
- Direct and oversee the software engineering function in developing, releasing, and maintaining software and firmware applications to meet program, customer, and business needs
- Guide the architecture, design, development, integration, and testing of embedded software and firmware solutions for autonomous and undersea systems
- Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and adherence to software engineering best practices
- Establish and maintain policies, processes, and standards that produce high-quality products, including coding principles, engineering tools, and development methodologies
- Coordinate with office engineering leadership to ensure rigorous execution, sound research and engineering practices, and the highest standards of technical work Collaborate with division and office leadership to prioritize work, allocate resources, manage staffing requirements, and support current and future programs
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
- Lead major research and development initiatives and shape the department's long-term research and technology portfolio Lead strategic initiatives through customer engagement, business development activities, and proposal development
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- Management of projects, people, and technical teams, including demonstrated leadership and the ability to establish and achieve organizational goals and objectives
- Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and providing technical direction in the development and delivery of complex engineering systems
- Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing technical personnel
- Design and development of embedded real-time, multi-threaded software, FPGA/CPLD firmware, or hardware design, including experience with C/C++ and modern embedded development tools and environments
- Effective verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
- Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related STEM discipline. Advanced degree preferred
- Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and mentoring technical staff in a research, development, or a product-focused environment
- Managing multiple technical projects, balancing workforce priorities, and allocating resources to meet program objectives
- Developing technical proposals, supporting business development activities, or leading strategic growth initiatives
- Working within DoD, Navy, defense research, or other government-sponsored programs Past success establishing technical roadmaps, guiding architecture decisions, and aligning departmental capabilities with strategic business and research objectives
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:
NoneARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
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, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .
POSITION SPECIFICS
Your working location will be fully on-site and located in State College, PA. Options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This role may require periodic travel to remote locations.
We are searching for a Department Head to join our Embedded Software (ES) department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. ARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the U.S. Military.
The ES Department’s mission is to design, build, test, and deliver software and firmware for undersea systems. The department is responsible for designing, implementing, and integrating software for Science & Technology demonstrations as well as Engineering Development and In-Service system programs. The ES department serves as the leading resource for our Undersea Systems Office (USO) in real-time embedded software/firmware design, development, integration, and testing. 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 sustain a high-performing workforce through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, talent development, and employee engagement
- Establish the technical vision and strategic direction for the department, ensuring capabilities, resources, and investments align with office, division, and laboratory objectives
- Direct and oversee the software engineering function in developing, releasing, and maintaining software and firmware applications to meet program, customer, and business needs
- Guide the architecture, design, development, integration, and testing of embedded software and firmware solutions for autonomous and undersea systems
- Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, continuous improvement, and adherence to software engineering best practices
- Establish and maintain policies, processes, and standards that produce high-quality products, including coding principles, engineering tools, and development methodologies
- Coordinate with office engineering leadership to ensure rigorous execution, sound research and engineering practices, and the highest standards of technical work Collaborate with division and office leadership to prioritize work, allocate resources, manage staffing requirements, and support current and future programs
Additional responsibilities for higher-level position includes:
- Lead major research and development initiatives and shape the department's long-term research and technology portfolio Lead strategic initiatives through customer engagement, business development activities, and proposal development
Required Skills/Experience areas include:
- Management of projects, people, and technical teams, including demonstrated leadership and the ability to establish and achieve organizational goals and objectives
- Demonstrated experience leading technical teams and providing technical direction in the development and delivery of complex engineering systems
- Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing technical personnel
- Design and development of embedded real-time, multi-threaded software, FPGA/CPLD firmware, or hardware design, including experience with C/C++ and modern embedded development tools and environments
- Effective verbal and written communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Active security clearance at the Secret level or higher, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
Preferred Skills/Experience areas include:
- Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or a related STEM discipline. Advanced degree preferred
- Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and mentoring technical staff in a research, development, or a product-focused environment
- Managing multiple technical projects, balancing workforce priorities, and allocating resources to meet program objectives
- Developing technical proposals, supporting business development activities, or leading strategic growth initiatives
- Working within DoD, Navy, defense research, or other government-sponsored programs Past success establishing technical roadmaps, guiding architecture decisions, and aligning departmental capabilities with strategic business and research objectives
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:
NoneARL’s purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Intel Community (IC), and other federal government customers.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website 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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See All 7 Remote Assistant Department Head Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsRemote Assistant Department Head Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in remote assistant department head jobs.
- 3-5 years of supervisory or team lead experience in the relevant department
- Bachelor's degree in a field related to the department's core function
- Proficiency with scheduling, inventory, or department-specific management software
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and control departmental operating costs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for cross-departmental coordination
- Relevant industry certification such as a healthcare licensure, retail management credential, or equivalent
Tips for Your Remote Assistant Department Head Job Search
Apply early to remote roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists remote assistant department head openings from across the U.S. in one place. Search roles by function or sector, find ones that match your background, and apply directly before postings fill.
Show async leadership in your application
Remote employers want proof you can lead without in-person presence. Highlight specific examples of running distributed projects, managing team communication across time zones, or driving decisions through written documentation rather than meetings.
Get fluent in remote operations tools
Remote assistant department heads routinely coordinate work through platforms like Asana, Notion, Slack, and Zoom. If you can speak to how you've used these tools to manage workflows, track deliverables, or align distributed teams, you'll move faster through remote hiring screens.
Target remote-first organizations directly
Remote-first companies build their entire management structure around distributed work, which means remote assistant department head roles aren't exceptions there. Look for organizations that describe themselves as remote-first or fully distributed in their job postings, since those environments are designed for the way this role operates remotely.
Remote Assistant Department Head Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a remote assistant department head job?
Remote employers hiring assistant department heads screen heavily for self-direction, clear written communication, and the ability to coordinate distributed teams without in-person oversight. Companies most likely to hire this role remotely include remote-first organizations, large nonprofits, healthcare networks, and education platforms. Candidates who can demonstrate async leadership, familiarity with project management tools like Asana or Monday.com, and a history of managing cross-functional work independently stand out in remote hiring processes.
Which companies hire remote assistant department heads?
Employers currently hiring remote assistant department heads include World Business Lenders and Penn State University, per current remote listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Remote-first firms, distributed healthcare and education organizations, and large nonprofits with national operations are the most consistent sources of remote openings for this role.
Can you get a remote assistant department head job with no experience?
Yes, but remote entry-level openings for this role are limited because employers expect you to operate independently from day one without an in-office support structure. Your best path is building experience managing projects or small teams in a remote or hybrid setting, then targeting smaller remote-first organizations where the scope is narrower. Demonstrating strong written communication and comfort with remote collaboration tools can substitute for direct title experience.
Do you need a degree for remote assistant department head jobs?
Not always. Many remote employers weigh demonstrated leadership experience, measurable results from managing teams or operations, and proficiency with remote work tools as heavily as formal credentials. That said, roles in healthcare administration, higher education, and regulated industries often list a bachelor's or master's degree as a baseline requirement, so the answer depends on the sector you're targeting.
See All 7 Remote Assistant Department Head Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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