Deputy Director of Research - Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate (SISD)

About GTRI

The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is a highly regarded non-profit applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the world’s top-ranked research universities. With more than 2,800 scientists, engineers, support professionals, and students, GTRI develops advanced technology solutions and large-scale system prototypes to address the most difficult problems in national security, economic development, and the overall human condition. The core support include:

• Analysis, modelling and simulation, systems engineering, and technology development.
• Cybersecurity, information, communication, command and control, and software systems.
• Electromagnetics, materials, and device technology.
• Sensors, weapons, electronic warfare, and autonomous systems.
• Test and evaluation.
• Threat systems research and development.

GTRI’s $1B per-year research program is organized into three major areas: Electronics, Optics and Systems; Information and Cyber Sciences; and Sensors and Intelligent Systems. In support of those areas, GTRI operates eight research laboratories and presence in over 20 locations around the country:

1. Advanced Concepts Laboratory
2. Aerospace, Transportation and Advanced Systems Laboratory
3. Applied Systems Laboratory
4. Cybersecurity, Information Protection, and Hardware Evaluation Research Laboratory
5. Elector-Optical Systems Laboratory
6. Electronic Systems Laboratory
7. Information and Communications Laboratory
8. Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory

GTRI is a Department of Defense (DOD) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).   GTRI’s Culture and Leadership

GTRI develops advanced technology solutions and large-scale system prototypes to address the most difficult problems in national security, enhance economic development in Georgia, improve the overall human condition, and develop technology leaders.

GTRI is the non-profit, applied research organization of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech).  Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country. In FY2023 GTRI had over $941M of problem-solving research awards from government and industry.

Each day, GTRI's science and engineering expertise is used to turn ideas into workable solutions for our customers. It takes the best ideas, some co-developed with their Georgia Tech academic partners, and turn them into systems applications that provide a significant technological advantage over other approaches.

GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state and industry. As a non-profit research institute, GTRI is an objective partner who delivers workable solutions and manufacturable products. Its highly specialized laboratories and interdisciplinary research expertise allow GTRI to bring the right mix of talent, experience and creativity to our nation’s toughest challenges.

VISION

GTRI’s people are the foremost innovators creating a secure nation, a prosperous Georgia, and a sustainable world.

MISSION

GTRI is the nonprofit, applied research organization of Georgia Tech.  It is a designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) and leverages its science and engineering expertise, in collaboration with Georgia Tech, to enhance the impact of our collective research output.  GTRI advances technology and provide innovative solutions in four mission areas to:

• Enhance State of Georgia economic development.
• Serve National Security.
• Improve the human condition.
• Educate future technology leaders.

PRIORITY

GTRI’s top priority is its people. GTRI is committed to developing its staff, students, and research faculty as thought leaders. Successes are measured by the impact its people have in GTRI’s mission areas. 

A thought leader is one whose views on a subject are respected and influential. They have a positive reputation for helping others with their knowledge and insight, and establish rich, meaningful relationships with those they are trying to reach. Everyone at GTRI has the potential to be a thought leader, whether they enable GTRI’s missions by being a thought leader in finance, IT, security, or operations; work within a team to deliver on a project; or work directly with our sponsors. GTRI’s people are its core, its differentiator, and its secret weapon. Prioritizing its people will ensure GTRI’s strategic success.

VALUES

GTRI’s values align with the broader beliefs of Georgia Tech. They guide how GTRI addresses its top priority, reach its vision, and impact its mission areas.

Celebrate collaboration.
GTRI enables and celebrates collaboration across disciplines and perspectives, between units and laboratories, and with other organizations at home and around the world. GTRI values the contributions of all members of its community, promotes civil and respectful discourse, and helps one another succeed.

Thrive on diversity. GTRI sees diversity of backgrounds and perspectives as essential to learning, discovery, and creation. It strives to remove barriers of access and to build an inclusive community where people of all backgrounds have the opportunity to learn and contribute to GTRI’s mission.

Act ethically. GTRI holds one another to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. GTRI is transparent and accountable and strives to earn and maintain the public trust.

Strive for excellence. GTRI strives to be among the best at what it does and sets high expectations for individuals and for its community as a whole. The expectation of excellence, which is instrumental in GTRI’s ability to have a meaningful impact in the world, extends to its teaching, research and creative endeavors, outreach programs, and operations.

Safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression. GTRI protects the freedom of all members of its community to ask questions, seek truth, and express any views. It cherishes diversity of ideas as necessary conditions for learning, discovery, scholarship, and creativity.

Champion innovation. GTRI inspires, empowers, and provides the resources and environment for innovative ideas to flourish. New concepts and approaches that lead to creative ideas and solutions are welcomed.

Responsible stewards TRI is a careful steward of the resources it is entrusted with and strives to be an example of sustainability, efficiency, respect, and responsibility.

Nurture the well-being of community. GTRI strives to build a healthy and vibrant environment that helps every member of its community to grow holistically and develop the self-awareness, knowledge, and practices necessary to pursue healthy, purposeful, and fulfilling lives.

See more at https://www.gtri.gatech.edu/about

James J. Hudgens, Ph.D., has led national security research for over 23 years. As the current director of the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and Senior Vice President of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), Hudgens leads over 2,800 employees conducting $1 Billion in research across a variety of disciplines, including autonomous systems, cybersecurity, electromagnetics, electronic warfare, modelling and simulation, sensors, systems engineering, test and evaluation and threat systems. GTRI’s renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy and technical expertise to address challenges facing national security, state and industry.

Before joining Georgia Tech, Hudgens directed the $265 million-per-year Threat Intelligence Center (TIC) at Sandia National Laboratories, where he led the Information Operations and Proliferation Assessments programs for the National Security Program Division. Prior to his promotion to director of TIC, Hudgens served in several leadership positions across the organization, including director the Information Systems Analysis Center (ISAC), senior manager of the Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Systems department where he won the Department of Energy Secretary’s Honor Award for Achievement for leading the Copperhead counter-IED program; deputy director of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance program, manager of Photonic Microsystems Technologies, and principal member of Technical Staff.

Hudgens earned a Ph.D. in Ceramic Engineering and a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering from Iowa State University and has authored numerous publications and presentations. Now focused on Creating the Next wave of advanced technological solutions at one of the nation’s leading research institutions, Hudgens continues to be recognized as a high-level thought leader with a focus on transformation, innovation and growth.  

The Opportunity:   Position:  Deputy Director of Research – Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate (SISD)   High Impact Role:  We are seeking a seasoned leader who is highly qualified and motivated to lead the Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate.   Location: Atlanta, GA   Reporting Relationship:  James J. Hudgens, Ph.D., Director, Georgia Tech Research Institute   Website:  http://gtri.gatech.edu/   How to Apply:  https://jobs.candidate.kornferry.com/go/ext/DFWZGY/242

Purpose of the Position:

GTRI, a $1B/year applied research unit of the Georgia Institute of Technology, is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Deputy Director of Research for the Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate (DDR, SISD).

SISD is an 800-person research unit focused on sponsored research, development, test, and evaluation of enabling technologies and high-end prototypes. This position is part of the GTRI executive team and reports to the Director of GTRI. The DDR for SISD will work with the CTO, the incumbent DDRs for EOSD and ICSD, and the rest of the executive team to identify and provide the greatest impact in meeting GTRI’s sponsor’s challenges while strategically managing technology development, strategy, and business growth.  

The DDR, SISD will provide leadership and management for three research laboratories performing complementary work. The Advanced Concepts Laboratory (ACL) develops component, system, and operational solutions that anticipate and counter next-generation threats, with an emphasis on analyzing, simulating, modeling, and prototyping technologies that operate in the electromagnetic spectrum. The Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory (SEAL) develops advanced sensors, command and control, and electronic warfare (EW) components and systems from initial concepts through full system prototypes. The Aerospace, Transportation & Advanced Systems Laboratory (ATASL) develops advanced robotics, autonomy, and threat technologies and systems from concept development to prototypes. On-site work in these laboratories spans all levels of government security classifications.

The successful candidate will enhance GTRI’s culture and brand by focusing on developing our talented people. The DDR, SISD will also guide and manage workforce development including hiring and retention strategies, talent development, mentoring for technical and leadership skills, and cultivating a culture of respect, trust, and collaboration. Administratively, the DDR will manage operations to establish budgets, prioritize investments, and determine space needs for expansion. The individual will also establish relationships and work across campus with academic faculty and students in pursuit of innovative research opportunities, participate in internal operational and process improvement activities, and be active in outside organizations and events to promote and represent GTRI research.

1st Year Critical Success Objectives:

• Establish communication and trust across GTRI and Georgia Tech – transition smoothly into the organization and align to the objectives of GTRI.
• Retain, develop, recruit and hire a talented workforce through innovative, people focused initiatives.
• Initiate a long-term strategic roadmap towards the growth and development of the GTRI’s sensor research portfolio in accordance with GTRI’s overall strategic intent, including commercial engagement efforts for expansion beyond the existing research portfolio in Georgia.
• Understand the national security challenges and establish a robust structure to cater for the progressive growth in program in-takes, including strategies to secure resources, infrastructure management, processes, and policies/procedural development.                                                 
• Enhance collaboration amongst all the research labs to ensure excellence in delivery is achieved for more sizeable programs.   
• Foster an open, innovative, and inclusive culture based on respect, trust, and collaboration within GTRI.

The Candidate:

Experience and Professional Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree and Master's degree with one or both in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical field is a must. PhD is highly preferred.
• Must have a research background and possess at least 15 or more years of relevant experience in leading a large, diverse, engineering research organization focused on national security.
• A seasoned leader with proven track record of leading highly technical organizations with a broad range of experience working within or with the DoD and Intelligence Community.
• Strong technical background and leadership experience in national security research applications, including several of the following key areas around electromagnetic spectrum operations and intelligent systems: electronic warfare (EW), radar, antennas, electromagnetics, systems engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, acoustics, physical phenomenology, robotics, command and control, network communications, software and hardware development, and signal and data processing, etc.
• Proven track record of shaping policy or influencing national strategy implementation.
• Demonstrated experience in collaborating and working across organizational boundaries.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

As part of the GTRI Executive Team:

• Engage with senior DoD and federal government leaders to provide thought leadership and help shape solutions to problems at a national scale.
• Assist the GTRI Director, in collaboration with other executive team members, in setting strategic direction for GTRI.
• Set strategic direction, aligned with overall GTRI strategy, for the Sensors and Intelligent Systems Directorate.
• Anticipate and identify emerging research areas and innovative technologies needed to further GTRI research directions.
• Work closely with the GTRI Director and other DDRs to meet strategic and financial goals, and
• Participate in planning, financial, operational, and employee development efforts as part of the executive team.

As the Deputy Director of Research managing the Directorate (SISD):

• Work with subordinate Lab Directors and other technical staff in the development of strategic plans, and to secure both internal and sponsor funding aligned with the strategic goals.
• Monitor progress of activities and budgets across external and internal projects.
• Facilitate and ensure collaboration between SISD and the other GTRI laboratories.
• Assure compliance of activities within SISD.
• Provide oversight for lab and directorate operating budgets.
• Work as a partner with Support Units and GT Research Security to enable research activities, remove obstacles, and provide budget resources to lab directors as required.
• Engage in collaborations both internal and external to GTRI. This includes collaborations with GT academic schools and units, other UARCS and FFRDCs, and industry.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to present ideas and research at public events, conferences, advisory boards, and think tank panel discussions.
• Assist in meetings with GT administration officials, members of Congress, their staff, and other relevant groups to present and discuss research findings and policy recommendations.

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.

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://hr.gatech.edu/benefits

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services.  Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions.  This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.

All members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values, which consists of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values shape and fundamentally support our university's work. Additionally, all faculty, staff, and administrators must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents and Georgia Institute of Technology's policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom. More information on these policies can be found here: Board of Regents Policy Manual | University System of Georgia (usg.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Submit Resume:   https://jobs.candidate.kornferry.com/go/ext/DFWZGY/242