Project Lead – Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)

The Defense Innovation Department (N227) is seeking a talented and experienced leader to serve as the Project Leader for the for the Department of War’s (DoW) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) work program. N227 supports the Office of the Secretary of War’s (OSW) sponsors that constitute the Defense Innovation Ecosystem: DARPA, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) - partnered, CDAO, Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) - partnered. N227’s professionals deliver actionable solutions and well-founded recommendations to senior leaders and decision-makers within the national security sector. Through rigorous, evidence-based work, N227 drives meaningful outcomes that address complex challenges. Strong partnerships are built and maintained across government, industry, academia, and research centers, fostering collaboration and shared success. With a focus on objectivity, innovation, and technical excellence, N227 provides technical expertise to the defense innovation ecosystem.

Roles & Responsibilities:

MITRE is seeking a technically exceptional Principal Project Leader to lead our Department of War (DoW) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence (CDAO) project team. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy within the DoW. You and your project leadership team will work with CDAO leadership to advance CDAOs ability to develop and field AI, autonomy, data analytics, and joint C2. In partnership with staff from across MITRE (Intelligence Center, National Security, and MTE) you will help solve challenges in the areas of Data Science,

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide strategic and technical leadership as a trusted advisor to CDAO
• Define and lead high-impact work aligned with DoW top initiatives and CDAO’s Pace Setting Projects
• Define and lead fast-paced work in multiple areas including: AI, autonomy, data analytics, joint C2
• Identify and integrate relevant research and innovation efforts within MITRE that are great candidates to strengthen project impact and advance sponsor objectives
• Staff and lead a diverse 30 staff year MITRE team
• Collaborate internally with other Project Leads, Department Managers, and Chief Engineers, across MNS, MPS, MTE and outside of MITRE with industry, and key stakeholders
• Ensure the technical quality of products and recommendations by establishing clear team expectations aligned with division quality practices, conducting in-progress reviews, incorporating peer review, implementing effective knowledge management, and participating in regular program execution reviews
• Lead project administration activities and oversee staff management activities

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and Master’s degree or a PhD with 5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Responsible for work and/or customer relationship development and will act according to—and guides others toward—the proper balance of a) product depth with timelines and b) technical improvements within programmatic constraints, even when hard compromises are required.
• Regular engagement and collaboration with sponsors, primarily located within the NCR
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and impactfully (both oral and written).
• Experience with financial management and project staffing systems
• Team builder with ability to work across MITRE
• Established track record in achieving significant work program, sponsor and organizational outcomes
• Active DoW Top Secret level clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI level security clearance.
• Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required.
• This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site presence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8 years and an MS or a PhD with 5 years’ experience
• Operational experience with data science, artificial intelligence or autonomous systems
• Experience with rapid acquisition pathways or acquisition program R&D
• Ability to mentor early-career staff, new task leaders, and encourage staff skill development
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex project components simultaneously
• Ability to actively work-shape and integrate multiple activities to deliver on MITRE and sponsors’ strategic priorities
• Experience with MITRE’s project management tools (e.g. Clarity, MiHUB, CareerMatch, Talent Marketplace)
• Active DoW Top Secret/SCI security clearance

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

Work Location Type:

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Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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