Chief Technologist, Intelligence & Autonomy Innovation Leader

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

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Chief Technologist for Intelligence & Autonomy to shape a broad research portfolio spanning frontier AI, autonomy, and emerging systems within the RED Mission Area.

As a senior technical strategist, you will incubate new concepts, build multidisciplinary teams, translate sponsor needs into funded programs, and coordinate across program areas and external partners to deliver enduring capabilities.

Qualifications

• MS in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years technical experience in frontier AI systems, intelligent autonomy, machine learning, multi-agent systems, human-AI collaboration, AI evaluation and assurance, robotic systems, or intelligent tools for scientific discovery and analysis.
• 3+ years leadership and project management experience.
• Experience across multiple domains including AI, autonomy, robotics, quantum or advanced computing, and human-machine systems.

Responsibilities

• Define emerging technical directions and incubate major new research concepts.
• Lead cross-disciplinary teams to mature concepts into funded programs.
• Translate sponsor needs into technically credible program concepts and opportunities.
• Influence technical direction and assemble high-performing teams across organizational boundaries.
• Represent the Exploration Program Area to leadership, sponsors, and external partners.

Skills

Frontier AI

Autonomy

Machine Learning

Robotics

Human-AI Collaboration

AI Evaluation

System Integration

Leadership

Education

MS in CS or ECE

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Chief Technologist for Intelligence & Autonomy to shape a broad research portfolio spanning frontier AI, autonomy, and emerging systems within the RED Mission Area.

As a senior technical strategist, you will incubate new concepts, build multidisciplinary teams, translate sponsor needs into funded programs, and coordinate across program areas and external partners to deliver enduring capabilities.