Executive Director, Distinguished Engineer - Data & AI

MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented Executive Director, Distinguished Engineer to join our Data and AI team in Herndon, VA.

The Executive Director will leverage their technical expertise and strategic vision to drive advanced artificial intelligence consulting, direct high-impact client initiatives, and lead internally funded research and development portfolios.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading strategic Data and AI engagements and delivering executive-level technical vision for complex client solutions.
• Directing internally funded R&D initiatives to advance corporate capabilities, drive sector requests, and establish strategic differentiation.
• Developing technical accelerators derived from internal research to optimize and scale solutions for client deployment.
• Generating data-driven insights and frameworks to support corporate expert points of view and thought leadership.
• Demonstrating the art of the possible through advanced AI prototypes, proofs of concept, and technical solutions for new business pursuits.
• Balancing client-facing delivery priorities with internal R&D advancements to maintain agility and technical flexibility.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in AI, strategic technical leadership, and data engineering.
• Proven experience establishing long-term technical visions and delivering scalable AI solutions within client environments.
• Demonstrated track record of leading internal R&D projects that result in deployable software accelerators or specialized capabilities.
• Strong experience supporting business development through technical solution architecture, prototyping, and proposal writing.
• Ability to navigate a flexible role encompassing both high-touch client delivery and internal corporate research.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a related advanced technical field.
• Extensive experience delivering AI, machine learning, and data analytics architectures within the Government Contracting sector.
• Recognized industry thought leader with a history of technical publications, patents, or executive presentations.
• Exceptional communication skills with a proven ability to translate complex AI concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

Clearance Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Frequently communicates with co-workers, management, and customers, which may involve delivering presentations. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.