Senior Advisor - Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

OverviewSystems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.The AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG), within the Sea, Land, Air Division, provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to Director Submarine Program directorates and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction. Director Submarine Program unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia-class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the Navy’s top acquisition priority), the Virginia-class SSN program, the new SSN-X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), and the AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office, to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces. Analysts and Engineers supporting Director Submarine Program will continue SPA’s decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting-edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high-profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition.#MCResponsibilitiesServes as the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) Senior Advisor to the Direct Reporting Program Manager Submarines (DRPM SUBS) providing critical support for interagency and intergovernmental decision-making. The primary objective is to provide expert advice to Senior Leaders at all levels—including but not limited to the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Under Secretary of the Navy (UNSECNAV), Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), United States Navy (USN), Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition (ASN RD&A), and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), as well as their staff(s)—to accelerate the adoption and integration of AI/ML capabilities across the submarine enterprise. Additional responsibilities include: Serve as the principal advisor to advise Senior Leaders at all levels including but not limited to the Secretary of the Navy, Under Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), the Secretary of War, Senior Leaders relevant staff members, and DRPM SUBS leadership on all AI/ML matters, translating complex technical concepts into strategic implications and actionable policy. Serve as the DRPM SUBS foremost technical authority on the current and future state of AI/ML, including deep learning, generative AI, reinforcement learning, and AI assurance. Provide expert guidance to major acquisition programs (PEOs) on the integration of AI/ML into weapon systems, autonomous platforms, and command-and-control systems. Provide expert counsel on the global AI/ML landscape, including adversarial capabilities and intentions, to inform DoW defensive and offensive postures. Develop new paradigms for the Test, Evaluation, Verification, and Validation (TEV&V) of AI-enabled systems to ensure they are robust, reliable, and secure. Assess and advise on the AI-readiness of the defense industrial base and provide strategies for fostering innovation and partnership with non-traditional technology companies. QualificationsRequired Experience:Nationally or internationally recognized authority in AI/ML with a minimum of 15 years of senior-level experience leading cutting-edge research and/or large-scale application development.Demonstrated success providing strategic counsel on AI/ML to C-suite, Flag Officer, Senior Executive Service (SES), or equivalent leadership in a large, complex organization (e.g., FAANG-level tech company, national lab, or major research university).A portfolio of significant accomplishments, such as pioneering widely adopted AI/ML models, publishing seminal research papers, holding key patents, or leading a major AI/ML product or division.Deep, technical, state-of-the-art knowledge across multiple AI/ML domains.Desired Experience:Experience as a Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Scientist, or senior research fellow at a leading technology firm or research institution.Experience applying AI/ML to defense, intelligence, or national security problems (e.g., ISR data analysis, autonomous navigation, cybersecurity, logistics).Familiarity with the DoD acquisition process and the unique challenges of deploying software-intensive systems in a military environment.Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.Clearance:Must be able to maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $170,000.00/Yr. - USD $190,000.00/Yr.Job SummaryID: 2026-22685Category: Strategy, Policy, & Advisory ServicesSecurity Clearance Requirement: Top Secret/ SCIType: Regular Full-TimeLevel: Senior