Chief Technologist, Intelligence & Autonomy

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Chief Technologist for Intelligence & Autonomy within the Exploration Program Area. This senior leader will shape a broad research portfolio spanning AI, autonomy, and emerging systems, and will create new opportunities by aligning capabilities across RED and related areas.

You will orchestrate cross-disciplinary teams, mentor technical leaders, and build sponsor relationships to translate ideas into funded programs that

Qualifications

• MS in CS, EE, or closely related field.
• 7+ years technical experience in frontier AI, autonomy, ML, multi-agent systems, or related areas.
• 3+ years leadership and project management experience.
• Experience conceiving, shaping, and leading large, multidisciplinary R&D efforts.
• Active Top Secret security clearance or ability to obtain TS/SCI; US citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Define emerging technical directions and forward-looking themes for the Exploration Program Area.
• Incubate major new technical concepts and guide from idea to research direction.
• Lead cross-disciplinary integration across AI/ML, autonomy, robotics, physics, electronics, and sensing.
• Develop and sustain relationships with government sponsors and external partners.
• Coordinate portfolio integration across related program areas and mission areas.
• Provide senior technical leadership and mentorship to multidisciplinary teams.
• Facilitate transition of demonstrations into enduring, sponsor-backed capabilities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Sponsor engagement

Cross-disciplinary

Technical mentorship

Travel readiness

Security clearance

Executive briefing

Program development

Stakeholder management

Education

MS in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or related

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Chief Technologist for Intelligence & Autonomy within the Exploration Program Area. This senior leader will shape a broad research portfolio spanning AI, autonomy, and emerging systems, and will create new opportunities by aligning capabilities across RED and related areas.

You will orchestrate cross-disciplinary teams, mentor technical leaders, and build sponsor relationships to translate ideas into funded programs that