Section Supervisor - AI Methods and Techniques Section

Description

We are seeking a collaborative, innovative technical leader to serve as Section Supervisor for the AI Methods and Techniques Section within the Advanced Mission Modeling and AI Group (JAM) of the National Security Analysis Department (NSAD). This section will contribute to the development and growth of AI methods and techniques, and advancing AI-enabled solutions that can be integrated into analyses within NSAD and across the enterprise.

The Section Supervisor leads a technical team of analysts responsible for developing and improving AI models, to include optimization of model performance and model training, and development of performance metrics.

The Section Supervisor role requires strong technical judgment, awareness of emerging AI research and practice, and close collaboration with analysts, sponsors, and partners across APL to ensure AI-enabled solutions are rigorous and address sponsor needs.

As the AI Methods & Techniques Section Supervisor, you will...

• Develop, lead, and retain a team advancing AI and generative AI methods in support of national security analysis.
• Provide technical and personnel leadership for the development, evaluation, and refinement of algorithms and AI models, ensuring analytic rigor and technical credibility.
• Guide efforts to optimize model performance and training, including data selection, feature engineering, evaluation approaches, and performance trade-offs.
• Help advance an enterprise-oriented approach to AI methods and tools, enabling reuse, consistency, and scalability across projects and mission areas.
• Ensure the quality, timeliness and integrity of section outputs on tasks.
• Mentor team members to ensure appropriate and productive interactions with colleagues, sponsors, and project teams, and to elevate their written and presentation products.
• Work with the team members individually and collectively to further develop their skills and grow the capability and capacity of the section.
• Serve as a technical contributor or project lead on selected efforts, leading by example in execution and communication of the work.
• Collaborate closely with other sections and groups to integrate algorithm and AI enabled capabilities into sponsor and indirect work.
• Assist higher-level managers and mission area partners with strategic planning, development of new analytic opportunities, and sponsor engagement.
• Support staff and task planning, interviewing and hiring, and performance coaching throughout the year.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Master's degree (or higher) in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
• Have experience developing or leading work involving AI, machine learning, or advanced analytic methods, preferably in national security or similarly complex problem domains.
• Have experience with machine learning and large language models (LLMs); proficiency in machine learning algorithms and optimization techniques.
• Have project leadership experience for an analysis team from formulation to completion of a direct task - this should include determination of approach, team building, sponsor engagements and conveying technical results.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior sponsors and stakeholders.
• Have demonstrated collaboration skills and sound judgment in complex, ambiguous analytic environments.
• Are willing and able to travel to the Pentagon on an occasional basis.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. 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.

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

• Have a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant technical discipline.
• Have prior supervisory experience or demonstrated experience leading or mentoring multidisciplinary analytic teams.
• Have experience transitioning AI methods into operational, analytic, or sponsor-facing environments.
• Have an active TS/SCI clearance.

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 http://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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$275,000 Annually