Project/Unit Description GTRI's Signals and Systems Division (SASD) in the Advanced Concepts Laboratory (ACL) seeks qualified candidates for the position of a Research Program Manager (RPM) in the Operations Research Branch to work in GTRI's Colorado Springs Field Office. This Research Faculty position involves managing projects of strategic importance to GTRI related to orbital warfare, participating in the research, coordinating the research of junior researchers, ensuring the delivery of quality products, and expanding GTRI's footprint and impact in this key technical area.
SASD consists of a staff of research professionals with a portfolio of research related to next-generation aerospace technology analysis, including RF/EO/IR sensor physics, signal processing algorithms, electronic warfare, effects-based modeling and simulation, verification and validation, advanced threat analysis, and operations research. ACL's research thrusts extend across domains, including bio-, chemical-, RF-, and optical-sensor physics; materials science and engineering; electromagnetic theory, structures, and measurements; electronic warfare techniques and applications; scenario modeling and simulation; traditional and asymmetric threat analysis; and ground maneuver and orbital warfare.
The RPM will participate in and lead other researchers in the evaluation and improvement of C2 systems that support the US Space Force (USSF), US Space Command, and their subordinate elements. This Research Program Manager will be a primary subject matter expert and interface with sponsors from the USSF and US Space Command. The RPM will be responsible for the delivery of MS&A to meet government requirements within cost and schedule constraints. The RPM will be responsible for contract deliverables and for pursuing additional research opportunities.
Job Purpose The Research Program Manager directs and oversees a portfolio of research projects that includes internal and external sponsor and stakeholder engagement. The Research Program Manager is responsible both for the oversight of technical execution, schedule, and budget of assigned portfolios. Specifically, the Research Program Manager develops the planning of programs and future projects through routine interactions with stakeholders. The Research Program Manager develops trusted relationships with sponsors and also serves in an advisory capacity to critical stakeholders defining the technical direction of projects and technical thrusts.
Key Responsibilities - Oversee technical government programs which are of relatively medium-to-high risk and medium-to-high complexity
- Ensure that all required resources such as engineering expertise, manpower, production, computer infrastructure, facilities, etc. are available for the program
- Build multi-disciplinary teams across the organization
- Plan, direct, and monitor program budgets and serve as primary sponsor contact for program information inquiries
- Author and oversee delivery of project deliverables
- Coordinate schedules, briefing materials, minutes and logistics associated with project meetings
- Direct program growth by proposing new ideas to sponsors and marketing new technology or follow-on business opportunities
- Understand and present GTRI core competencies and lab capabilities to external sponsors and stakeholders
- Maintain an understanding of various sponsors interests in a given technical area
- Coordinate with program development leads and GTRI support units on large proposals and training curriculum
- Understand and present GTRI core competencies and lab capabilities to external sponsors and stakeholders
- Understands various sponsors interested in a given technical area
- Coordinate with program development leads and GTRI support units on large proposals and training curriculum
- Understand sponsor portfolios of projects across labs in the Directorate
- Maintain Directorate-level knowledge of strategic plans and complementary technical area or technology overlaps
- Maintains knowledge of government and Institute regulations that govern GTRI projects
- Communicate effectively to mediate between multiple stakeholders and converge on optimal solutions
Additional Responsibilities - Provides support to the GTRI COSFO as directed by the Field Office Manager
- Interfaces between GTRI and Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), Combat Forces Command (USSF/CFC), Space Training and Readiness Command (USSF/STARCOM), USSPACECOM, and DAF PAE C3BM organizations in Colorado Springs, El Segundo, Albuquerque, Dayton, Boston, and Washington D.C.
- Provides technical expertise on space operations, space sensors, satellite systems, and other space-related topics, as requested by the United States Government
- Leads and performs studies in support of force design for orbital warfare and other missions.
- Scrutinizes modeling and simulation results for accuracy, validity, and completeness
- Briefs senior leaders in the United States Government and GTRI
- Generates and documents systems and system-of-systems using the Mission Engineering process, which includes creation of design reference missions, mission threads, mission engineering threads, risks/issues/gaps/opportunities analysis, requirements generation, analyses of alternatives, and design implementation.
Required Minimum Qualifications - BS in a STEM discipline (engineering, mathematics, physics, biology, or related)
- Five years of experience in direct application of or staff planning related to the command and control of space orbital warfare systems
- Strong verbal and written communication skills: must be able to convey highly technical material in a clear, concise manner to a nontechnical audience
- Experience managing multifaceted projects from startup to closeout, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning
- Thorough understanding of the DoD acquisition and contracting process
- Able to act in varied roles as both a technical resource and in leadership positions
- Able to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Qualifications - Active TS/SCI Clearance
- MS or PhD in Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Business Administration
- Familiarity with the mission and organization of the Department of the Air Force (DAF), USSSPACECOM, USSF, and the various organizations that provide guidance and advice to its leaders
- Detailed knowledge of orbital warfare mission requirements
- Familiarity with USSF's space acquisition processes and programs
- Experience defining and/or developing complex, software-intensive, military or avionics systems or systems of systems using system engineering processes and methodologies
- Experience with using and/or analyzing outputs from modeling and simulation tools such as the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM) and/or SPA Cyber Assassin
- Ability to pursue business development opportunities: identifying leads, preparing proposals, and obtaining contract awards
- Direct leadership, supervision, or management of a team
Travel Requirements 10% - 25% travel
Education and Length of Experience This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement.The final job offerwill be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook
- 12 years of related experience with a Masters' degree in a STEM-related discipline, including Operations Research, Aeronautics, Systems Engineering. An equivalent combination of relevant education, professional experience, and demonstrated expertise may be considered in lieu of the preferred STEM degree requirement
- 9 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in a STEM-related Operations Research, Aeronautics, Systems Engineering, or related disciplineAn equivalent combination of relevant education, professional experience, and demonstrated expertise may be considered in lieu of the preferred STEM degree requirement
Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels.
U.S. Citizenship Requirements Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Salary Range Minimum Compensation: $182,610 Maximum Compensation: $233,000
Benefits at GTRI Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
