Deputy Director of Research - Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate (SISD)

About GTRI

• Analysis, modelling and simulation, systems engineering, and technology development.
• Cybersecurity, information, communication, command and control, and software systems.
• Electromagnetics, materials, and device technology.
• Sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, and autonomous systems.
• Test and evaluation.
• Threat systems research and development.

1. Advanced Concepts Laboratory
2. Aerospace, Transportation and Advanced Systems Laboratory
3. Applied Systems Laboratory
4. Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research Laboratory
5. Elector-Optical Systems Laboratory
6. Electronic Systems Laboratory
7. Information and Communications Laboratory
8. Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory

Purpose of the Position:

GTRI, a $1B/year applied research unit of the Georgia Institute of Technology, is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Deputy Director of Research for the Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate (DDR, SISD).

SISD is an 800-person research unit focused on sponsored research, development, test, and evaluation of enabling technologies and high-end prototypes. This position is part of the GTRI executive team and reports to the Director of GTRI. The DDR for SISD will work with the CTO, the incumbent DDRs for EOSD and ICSD, and the rest of the executive team to identify and provide the greatest impact in meeting GTRI's sponsor's challenges while strategically managing technology development, strategy, and business growth.

The DDR, SISD will provide leadership and management for three research laboratories performing complementary work. The Advanced Concepts Laboratory (ACL) develops component, system, and operational solutions that anticipate and counter next-generation threats, with an emphasis on analyzing, simulating, modeling, and prototyping technologies that operate in the electromagnetic spectrum. The Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory (SEAL) develops advanced sensors, command and control, and electronic warfare (EW) components and systems from initial concepts through full system prototypes. The Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory (ATASL) develops advanced robotics, autonomy, and threat technologies and systems from concept development to prototypes. On-site work in these laboratories spans all levels of government security classifications.

The successful candidate will enhance GTRI's culture and brand by focusing on developing our talented people. The DDR, SISD will also guide and manage workforce development including hiring and retention strategies, talent development, mentoring for technical and leadership skills, and cultivating a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration. Administratively, the DDR will manage operations to establish budgets, prioritize investments, and determine space needs for expansion. The individual will also establish relationships and work across campus with academic faculty and students in pursuit of innovative research opportunities, participate in internal operational and process improvement activities, and be active in outside organizations and events to promote and represent GTRI research.

1st Year Critical Success Objectives:

• Establish communication and trust across GTRI and Georgia Tech - transition smoothly into the organization and align to the objectives of GTRI.
• Retain, develop, recruit and hire a talented workforce through innovative, people focused initiatives.
• Initiate a long-term strategic roadmap towards the growth and development of the GTRI's sensor research portfolio in accordance with GTRI's overall strategic intent, including commercial engagement efforts for expansion beyond the existing research portfolio in Georgia.
• Understand the national security challenges and establish a robust structure to cater for the progressive growth in program in-takes, including strategies to secure resources, infrastructure management, processes, and policies/procedural development.
• Enhance collaboration amongst all the research labs to ensure excellence in delivery is achieved for more sizeable programs.
• Foster an open, innovative, and inclusive culture based on respect, trust, and collaboration within GTRI.

The Candidate:

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and Master's degree with one or both in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field is a must. PhD is highly preferred.
• Must have a research background and possess at least 15 or more years of relevant experience in leading a large, diverse, engineering research organization focused on national security.
• A seasoned leader with proven track record of leading highly technical organizations with a broad range of experience working within or with the DoD and Intelligence Community.
• Strong technical background and leadership experience in national security research applications, including several of the following key areas around electromagnetic spectrum operations and intelligent systems: electronic warfare (EW), radar, antennas, electromagnetics, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, acoustics, physical phenomenology, robotics, command and control, network communications, software and hardware development, and signal and data processing, etc.
• Proven track record of shaping policy or influencing national strategy implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating and working across organizational boundaries.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

As part of the GTRI Executive Team:

• Engage with senior DoD and federal government leaders to provide thought leadership and help shape solutions to problems at a national scale.
• Assist the GTRI Director, in collaboration with other executive team members, in setting strategic direction for GTRI.
• Set strategic direction, aligned with overall GTRI strategy, for the Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate.
• Anticipate and identify emerging research areas and innovative technologies needed to further GTRI research directions.
• Work closely with the GTRI Director and other DDRs to meet strategic and financial goals, and
• Participate in planning, financial, operational, and employee development efforts as part of the executive team.

As the Deputy Director of Research managing the Directorate (SISD):

• Work with subordinate Lab Directors and other technical staff in the development of strategic plans, and to secure both internal and sponsor funding aligned with the strategic goals.
• Monitor progress of activities and budgets across external and internal projects.
• Facilitate and ensure collaboration between SISD and the other GTRI laboratories.
• Assure compliance of activities within SISD.
• Provide oversight for lab and directorate operating budgets.
• Work as a partner with Support Units and GT Research Security to enable research activities, remove obstacles, and provide budget resources to lab directors as required.
• Engage in collaborations both internal and external to GTRI. This includes collaborations with GT academic schools and units, other UARCS and FFRDCs, and industry.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to present ideas and research at public events, conferences, advisory boards, and think tank panel discussions.
• Assist in meetings with GT administration officials, members of Congress, their staff, and other relevant groups to present and discuss research findings and policy recommendations.

Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.

Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://hr.gatech.edu/benefits

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