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

at  Korn Ferry International

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is a highly regarded non-profit applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the world’s top-ranked research universities. With more than 2,800 scientists, engineers, support professionals, and students, GTRI develops advanced technology solutions and large-scale system prototypes to address the most difficult problems in national security, economic development, and the overall human condition. The core support include:

• 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

GTRI’s $1B per-year research program is organized into three major areas: Electronics, Optics and Systems; Information and Cyber Sciences; and Sensors and Intelligent Systems. In support of those areas, GTRI operates eight research laboratories and presence in over 20 locations around the country:
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
GTRI is a Department of Defense (DOD) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). GTRI develops advanced technology solutions and large-scale system prototypes to address the most difficult problems in national security, enhance economic development in Georgia, improve the overall human condition, and develop technology leaders. GTRI is the non-profit, applied research organization of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country. In FY2023 GTRI had over $941M of problem-solving research awards from government and industry.
Each day, GTRI’s science and engineering expertise is used to turn ideas into workable solutions for our customers. It takes the best ideas, some co-developed with their Georgia Tech academic partners, and turn them into systems applications that provide a significant technological advantage over other approaches.
GTRI’s renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state and industry. As a non-profit research institute, GTRI is an objective partner who delivers workable solutions and manufacturable products. Its highly specialized laboratories and interdisciplinary research expertise allow GTRI to bring the right mix of talent, experience and creativity to our nation’s toughest challenges.

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.
• US Citizenship and ability to obtain and sustain a TS/SCI security clearance required.
  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.

4. TECHNICAL RESEARCH SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Manage a portfolio of current products and new products in development aligned with current and future national security challenges. Relevant technical experience includes electromagnetic spectrum operations, including modelling and simulation, prototyping, and system integration with a focus on novel technology development. Focus areas are the following:
• Radar, antennae, electronic warfare, materials, physical phenomenology
• Threat systems, test and evaluation, and national range innovation and development including live-virtual-constructive environments
• Aerospace systems, autonomy, and modelling and simulation.
• Experience working with the Defense Department
• Experience working with Federal Government:
• Understanding of: federal government structures, roles, responsibilities and authorities; government funding and contracting; federal research, development, test and evaluation.
• Familiarity with Defense Department and Intelligence Community executive leadership.
• Current knowledge and awareness of the Department of Defense modernization and restructuring efforts, including the Air Force re-optimization efforts.

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.