Project Leader, Expeditionary Autonomy

The MITRE Corporation • Quantico, VA

7d • $162,400 - $243,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

MITRE is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to tackling national security challenges in areas like cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. The MITRE National Security Sector (MNS) and its National Security Engineering Center (NSEC) FFRDC focus on solving complex security challenges for the Department of War (DoW), Intelligence Community, interagency partners, industry, and international allies. The Expeditionary and Hybrid Fleet Department (EHF) within NSEC is seeking a project leader for its Naval Autonomy project. This project aims to integrate expeditionary C4 and asymmetric capabilities into Naval operations to enhance lethality, resilience, and the Sea Denial mission. The project collaborates with various acquisition and S&T organizations to accelerate the adoption of uncrewed and autonomous capabilities into Navy and Marine Corps forces.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Background in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computer Science/Engineering.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams of technical and domain experts to produce analysis/prototypes, and recommendations for agile, high-risk programs.
• Demonstrated ability to shape and define work in collaboration with government sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across an organization to leverage broader capabilities for sponsors.
• Possess and maintain an active DOD Secret level security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance, or be immediately eligible for clearance reinstatement.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Experience in one or more of the following technical domains: autonomous systems design & engineering, aviation systems safety, autonomous systems cybersecurity, autonomous systems test & evaluation, digital and mission engineering, acquisition transformation.
• Minimum of 50% hybrid on-site presence required.

Nice To Haves

• Significant experience in autonomous system capability development, deployment, and operations.
• Experience with counter-UAS operations.
• Experience in Naval and/or Joint operational command, control, and communications.
• Demonstrated knowledge of MITRE or equivalent project planning, execution, and management practices and tools.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government contract financial management standards & practices.
• Prior experience as a project leader/manager in all phases of the project life cycle.
• Ability to obtain and retain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) access.

Responsibilities

• Grow, shape, and integrate the NSEC Naval Autonomy work program across multiple projects.
• Directly manage project tasks for the PAE RAS project.
• Work with PAE executives, engineers, Naval aviation programs, and the Office of Naval Research to deliver rapid autonomous capability solutions.
• Develop airspace safety models and analyses.
• Enhance the cybersecurity of autonomous systems.
• Drive the adoption of mission engineer capabilities.
• Partner with other MITRE project and technical leaders to share problems and solutions.
• Partner with Naval Division leadership, including Mission and Technical Outcome Leads, and the joint MNS International team to share MITRE’s work and align with NSEC level outcomes.
• Provide strategic and thought leadership to the Program Manager and Deputy Program Manager.
• Develop and define tasks and project outcomes aligned with sponsor priorities and MITRE's enterprise initiatives.
• Develop and champion mid- and long-term strategies for the sponsor.
• Coordinate across the Naval and MITRE enterprises to achieve outcomes benefiting the sponsor, their stakeholders, and MITRE’s NSEC.
• Identify staff with diverse skill sets for project needs and establish talent pipelines.
• Ensure project team members have access to necessary resources.
• Engage with sponsor and MITRE leaders to identify and plan for staffing needs.
• Work closely with senior and mid-level government civilian and military personnel and other MITRE Project Leaders.
• Provide strategic level advice and coordination in support of the sponsor’s mission.
• Increase awareness and collaboration by sharing the project’s technical products, recommendations, and activities.
• Leverage MITRE’s Independent Research and Development (IRAD) programs to deliver additional impact.
• Work across projects, Divisions, and Centers within MITRE to identify collaboration and technology transition opportunities.
• Ensure technical products, prototypes, and recommendations meet MITRE’s highest standards.
• Conduct peer reviews and technical reviews in concert with senior leadership.
• Develop, execute, and track staffing, financial, and delivery plans.
• Communicate staffing and budgetary needs to MITRE leadership.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits
• Exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth
• Culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior