Research Director

Comtech LLC; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A defense technology company in Atlanta is seeking a Lab Director to develop and execute the laboratory's strategy and vision. The role includes overseeing operations, managing budgets, and ensuring team collaboration. The ideal candidate has significant experience with the Department of Defense and strong leadership skills, along with an active Secret level security clearance.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing large programs for the Department of Defense.
• Proven track record of leading within highly technical organizations.
• Have an active Secret level security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Laboratory's strategy and vision.
• Oversee laboratory budgets, projects, and resources.
• Participate in leadership meetings with senior leadership.

Skills

Management of large programs

Engaging with diverse sponsors

Leadership in technical organizations

Strategy development

Collaboration across organizations

Active Secret level security clearance

Job description

The Lab Director is responsible for developing and executing the vision and strategy of the Laboratory, in alignment with the client mission and Strategic Plan. The Director is also responsible for the overall operations and activities of the lab, including oversight and allocation of budgets, projects, and resources; management of lab senior staff and division chiefs; and interfacing with other labs, support units, and the senior leadership of client. The Director develops opportunities for sponsored contracts by maintaining stakeholder relationships and connecting researchers to potential sponsors.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Laboratorys strategy and vision
• Develop opportunities for sponsored contracts by maintaining stakeholder relationships and connecting researchers to potential sponsors
• Oversee laboratory budgets, projects, and resources
• Develop and mentor laboratory personnel and leadership
• Build collaborations across client, and with external organizations
• Establish and maintain a Lab Leadership Team that exemplifies integrity while nurturing excellence, diversity, and innovation
• Develop and prioritize long-range research directions in collaboration with the Lab Leadership Team
• Determine staffing requirements; provides for interviewing, hiring and training new employees
• Review financial statements, activity reports, and other performance data to measure productivity and goal achievement, and to determine areas for improvement
• Oversee yearly performance evaluations of all Laboratory members consistent with processes established for the Institute and managed by clients Strategic Human Resources Partners and the Talent Acquisition Team
• Participate in regular leadership meetings held by clients Executive Vice President of Research as well as monthly meetings with client senior leadership

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Significant experience managing large programs for the Department of Defense, specifically in one or more of Laboratories core technical competencies: Electronic Warfare, Systems Engineering, Test & Evaluation, technology insertion, open systems architectures, Machine Learning Ops/DevSecOps/agile software development
• Experience engaging with a diverse sponsor base to support both existing programs and in pursuit of new awards
• Proven track record of leading within highly technical organizations with a broad range of experience working with the Federal and State Governments
• Management experience that includes: overseeing budgets, projects, and resources; staffing and personnel performance evaluations; and review of performance data to measure productivity and determine areas for improvement
• Leadership experience that includes: developing and executing strategy and vision; developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships; coaching and empowering personnel; and developing and prioritizing long-range research directions
• Strong technical background and leadership experience in national security research applications
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating and working across organizational boundaries
• Have an active Secret level security clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• Established record of being an excellent communicator with the perspective of a servant leader
• Established record of innovation and familiarity across technical competencies: Electronic Warfare, Systems Engineering, Test & Evaluation, technology insertion, open systems architectures, DevSecOps and/or agile software development
• Experience developing and maintaining roadmaps and strategic plans
• Experience providing senior management oversight for a portfolio of sponsored research programs
• Documented examples of being a self-starter, taking on significant initiatives with little-to-no guidance, in order to improve the organization or provide value to a major project