Description:
Athenix Solutions Group is seeking a leader with Program Management experience to fulfill a Principal Investigator (PI) role to lead a cutting-edge research and development initiative for Cyber Training & Curriculum, supporting U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM). This position will spearhead innovation in cyber training, education technologies, and curriculum design and development, with a focus on building scalable, operationally relevant learning solutions that enhance cyber mission readiness.
As the PI, you’ll guide a cross-disciplinary technical team, work closely with Program Managers and government stakeholders, and drive applied research through the full program lifecycle—from concept through prototyping, testing, and transition.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert focused on next-gen cyber training and adaptive curriculum development.
• Oversee the design, development, test and evaluation of Defensive Cyber Operations software and hardware solutions, learning tools, immersive simulations, and data-informed curriculum strategies aligned to Cyber Command mission requirements.
• Translate warfighter training gaps into research objectives and technical roadmaps.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team including cyber SMEs, instructional designers, AI/ML engineers, and software developers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure program alignment and potential technology transition pathways.
• Manage deliverables, technical documentation, certification standards and reporting requirements per contract standards.
• Prepare and present briefings PMs, sponsors, and other executive audiences.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, IRB protocols, security classification guidelines, and export control laws.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• U.S. Citizenship and active TS/SCI clearance
• Ph.D. in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Learning Technologies, or a related discipline; or Master’s with equivalent research and technical leadership experience.
• Minimum 10 years of experience leading DoD-funded R&D efforts; 3+ years as PI or co-PI on advanced research programs
• Deep understanding of cyber operations, cyber force training pipelines, and mission-driven instructional design delivery and certification.
• Demonstrated experience integrating emerging technologies (AI/ML, simulation, immersive media, etc.) into learning and training systems.
• Strong background in government contracting, program execution, and cross-agency collaboration.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and technical writing skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with cyber ranges, cyber exercise planning, and DoD training environments.
• Experience with USCC DCO missions and tools
• Working knowledge of learning data standards (e.g., SCORM, APE), training management systems, or education-focused analytics tools.
• Background supporting or working within Intel agencies and other cyber mission forces.

• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert focused on next-gen cyber training and adaptive curriculum development.
• Oversee the design, development, test and evaluation of Defensive Cyber Operations software and hardware solutions, learning tools, immersive simulations, and data-informed curriculum strategies aligned to Cyber Command mission requirements.
• Translate warfighter training gaps into research objectives and technical roadmaps.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team including cyber SMEs, instructional designers, AI/ML engineers, and software developers.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure program alignment and potential technology transition pathways.
• Manage deliverables, technical documentation, certification standards and reporting requirements per contract standards.
• Prepare and present briefings PMs, sponsors, and other executive audiences.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms, IRB protocols, security classification guidelines, and export control laws