Project Lead - Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO)

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If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.The Defense Innovation Department (N227) is seeking a talented and experienced leader to serve as the Project Leader for the for the Department of War’s (DoW) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) work program. N227 supports the Office of the Secretary of War’s (OSW) sponsors that constitute the Defense Innovation Ecosystem: DARPA, Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) - partnered, CDAO, Test Resource Management Center (TRMC), and Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) - partnered. N227’s professionals deliver actionable solutions and well-founded recommendations to senior leaders and decision-makers within the national security sector. Through rigorous, evidence-based work, N227 drives meaningful outcomes that address complex challenges. Strong partnerships are built and maintained across government, industry, academia, and research centers, fostering collaboration and shared success. With a focus on objectivity, innovation, and technical excellence, N227 provides technical expertise to the defense innovation ecosystem.Roles & Responsibilities:MITRE is seeking a technically exceptional Principal Project Leader to lead our Department of War (DoW) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence (CDAO) project team. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Autonomy within the DoW. You and your project leadership team will work with CDAO leadership to advance CDAOs ability to develop and field AI, autonomy, data analytics, and joint C2. In partnership with staff from across MITRE (Intelligence Center, National Security, and MTE) you will help solve challenges in the areas of Data Science,Responsibilities Include:Provide strategic and technical leadership as a trusted advisor to CDAODefine and lead high-impact work aligned with DoW top initiatives and CDAO’s Pace Setting ProjectsDefine and lead fast-paced work in multiple areas including: AI, autonomy, data analytics, joint C2Identify and integrate relevant research and innovation efforts within MITRE that are great candidates to strengthen project impact and advance sponsor objectivesStaff and lead a diverse 30 staff year MITRE teamCollaborate internally with other Project Leads, Department Managers, and Chief Engineers, across MNS, MPS, MTE and outside of MITRE with industry, and key stakeholdersEnsure the technical quality of products and recommendations by establishing clear team expectations aligned with division quality practices, conducting in-progress reviews, incorporating peer review, implementing effective knowledge management, and participating in regular program execution reviewsLead project administration activities and oversee staff management activitiesBasic Qualifications:Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and Master’s degree or a PhD with 5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.Responsible for work and/or customer relationship development and will act according to—and guides others toward—the proper balance of a) product depth with timelines and b) technical improvements within programmatic constraints, even when hard compromises are required.Regular engagement and collaboration with sponsors, primarily located within the NCRAbility to communicate clearly, concisely, and impactfully (both oral and written).Experience with financial management and project staffing systemsTeam builder with ability to work across MITREEstablished track record in achieving significant work program, sponsor and organizational outcomesActive DoW Top Secret level clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI level security clearance.Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements for a clearance, U.S. Citizenship is required.This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site presence.Preferred Qualifications: 8 years and an MS or a PhD with 5 years’ experienceOperational experience with data science, artificial intelligence or autonomous systemsExperience with rapid acquisition pathways or acquisition program R&DAbility to mentor early-career staff, new task leaders, and encourage staff skill developmentDemonstrated ability to manage multiple complex project components simultaneouslyAbility to actively work-shape and integrate multiple activities to deliver on MITRE and sponsors’ strategic prioritiesExperience with MITRE’s project management tools (e.g. Clarity, MiHUB, CareerMatch, Talent Marketplace)Active DoW Top Secret/SCI security clearanceThis requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):Top SecretThis requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):Top Secret/SCISalary compensation range and midpoint:$191,200 - $239,000 - $286,800 AnnualWork Location Type:HybridIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Commitment to Non-DiscriminationAll qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE’s employment process, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for general support and View email address on click.appcast.io for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.Benefits information may be found here.Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only. Job SummaryJob number: R117130Profession: Engineering