Artificial Intelligence (AI) Project Leader

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Education assistance

Retirement contributions

Work-life balance

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an AI Project Leader to guide teams of engineers and scientists in developing and deploying state‑of‑the‑art AI and data science solutions for national defense and healthcare challenges. You will lead proposal development, mentor team members, and build partnerships across APL and JHU to translate research into real-world impact.

This role requires DoD/health AI expertise, strong leadership, and the ability to travel to customer sites as

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or other relevant field.
• 3+ years of project leadership experience in AI, ML, or Data Science settings.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; strong analytical and organizational skills.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain a Top Secret security clearance by start date.

Responsibilities

• Lead teams of engineers and scientists to prototype and operationalize AI solutions in DoD, cyber, or health domains.
• Develop research proposals for high‑risk, high‑reward ideas and transition successes to real-world impact.
• Mentor and grow team members into future leaders and build cross‑division partnerships.
• Collaborate with scientists across APL, JHU divisions, and the wider research community.

Skills

Project leadership

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Math/Engineering

Master’s or higher in technical field

Job description

Description

Are you passionate about leading teams building solutions for our greatest national security challenges?

Are you searching for engaging work with an employer that prioritizes impact, innovation, and personal development?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our leadership team in the Information Sciences Branch of the Asymmetric Operations Sector!

We are seeking a project leader to help us build innovative solutions for challenges in national defense and healthcare. .We are looking for a project and technical leader to guide teams of engineers and software developers prototyping and operationalizing state of the art AI solutions.

As an AI Project Leader:

• You will build and lead strong teams with APL scientists and engineers to develop and deliver effective AI and data science solutions in critical areas such as DoD-, Cyber-, or National Health-based AI
• You will lead the development of new research proposals to pursue high-risk, high-reward ideas and transition successes to real world impact
• You will combine your technical expertise and leadership experience to mentor and grow team members into future leaders
• You will build partnerships with scientists and engineers across APL, the other divisions of JHU, and the wider research community

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or other relevant field
• Have at least 3 years of project leadership experience in DoD-, Cyber, or National Health-based AI, Machine Learning or Data Science settings
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong analytical and organizational skills
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance by your start date. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
• Are willing and able to travel to customer sites as needed.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or other relevant technical field, with emphasis on data science or applied math
• Have at least 8 years of software development and engineering experience
• Have prior experience with large government research and development programs across multiple military and civilian government agencies

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually