Senior Director, Applied Artificial Intelligence

Location: Alexandria, VA

Category: Software, Data Science, Analytics & Modeling

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Tags: Operations, Top Secret

Overview Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. SPA has a near-term need for an corporate lead for Applied Artificial Intelligence to define goals and strategies for evolving SPA’s application of AI, agentic artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI platforms, products, methodologies, technologies, and services against customer mission requirements in alignment with SPA business goals. Responsibilities The Director/Senior Director, Applied Artificial Intelligence, reports into the Chief Capabilities Officer (CCO). Responsibilities include: Lead the development and execution of the SPA’s AI/ML and intelligent automation strategy focused on application against government customer mission requirements, aligning innovative solutions with federal priorities such as national security, mission efficiency, and responsible AI adoption. Oversee the development of technology innovations of AI/ML, agentic AI, and automation solutions in support of corporate research initiatives. Lead transition of internal research investments to active contracts, in support of new business initiatives, and commercial opportunities. Assure AI/ML solutions meet evolving stringent government requirements for performance, security, scalability of solutions and platforms. Working with the CCO and SPA leadership to define AI/ML policy for safe and secure usage of AI. Serve as a trusted advisor to SPA stakeholders and senior government stakeholders (e.g., DoD, IC, HS), translating complex AI/ML capabilities into mission-impactful outcomes like predictive analytics, digital engineering, digital program management, autonomous systems, and process optimization. Assist in driving business growth by identifying, supporting pursuit, and capture of new opportunities in AI/ML-enabled contracts across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies; collaborate on proposals, bid strategies in support of AI solution transition. Oversee the delivery of AI/ML and automation solutions on active contracts, ensuring on-time, on-budget execution while meeting stringent government requirements for performance, security, and scalability. Build and mentor a high-performing team of AI/ML engineers, data scientists, and automation specialists; foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration across practices. Assist in establishing and enforcing AI governance frameworks, including ethical AI practices, risk management, bias mitigation, and compliance with federal policies (e.g., Executive Orders on AI, NIST standards, FedRAMP, and IL5/6+ platforms). Assist in forging strategic partnerships with technology providers (e.g., cloud hyperscalers, AI platform vendors) and academia to accelerate capability development and maintain competitive edge in government bids. Monitor emerging AI/ML trends, threats (e.g., adversarial AI), and regulatory changes; provide thought leadership through white papers, conferences, and internal briefings to position the firm as a leader in government AI. Champion workforce development in AI/ML skills, including training programs and clearance-sponsored initiatives, to build a pipeline of talent ready for classified and unclassified government work. Qualifications A leader who can operationalize ideas into innovative solutions to meet national security mission needs with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and automation 15+ years of relevant experience working in technologically demanding fields (e.g. engineering, software development, AI, agentic AI, automation, and data science) Excellent oral and written communicator with demonstrated ability to actively listen, encourage discussion and productive debate, and communicate complex topics to technologists and non-technical audiences Demonstrated commitment to integrity, collaboration, excellence, agility, and diversity Experience communicating to senior organizational leaders Experience leading multidisciplinary teams Demonstrated commitment to integrity, collaboration, excellence, agility, and diversity A thought leader that harnesses SPA’s expertise and cultural values to develop and share innovative perspectives and approaches inside the company and outwardly with industry and academia at conferences and professional gatherings Experience leading and mentoring staff at various stages of their careers to help them deliver their best performance and promote their development Experience managing corporate intellectual property (IP) in a Federal contracting landscape (especially supporting the delivery technology IP as a part of customer professional service engagements) Secret clearance or above with opportunity to receive a TS/SCI Willingness to work in-person at SPA’s Alexandria, Virginia, Headquarters or a negotiated alternative for Hybrid work

Responsibilities

The Director/Senior Director, Applied Artificial Intelligence, reports into the Chief Capabilities Officer (CCO). Responsibilities include: Lead the development and execution of the SPA’s AI/ML and intelligent automation strategy focused on application against government customer mission requirements, aligning innovative solutions with federal priorities such as national security, mission efficiency, and responsible AI adoption. Oversee the development of technology innovations of AI/ML, agentic AI, and automation solutions in support of corporate research initiatives. Lead transition of internal research investments to active contracts, in support of new business initiatives, and commercial opportunities. Assure AI/ML solutions meet evolving stringent government requirements for performance, security, scalability of solutions and platforms. Working with the CCO and SPA leadership to define AI/ML policy for safe and secure usage of AI. Serve as a trusted advisor to SPA stakeholders and senior government stakeholders (e.g., DoD, IC, HS), translating complex AI/ML capabilities into mission-impactful outcomes like predictive analytics, digital engineering, digital program management, autonomous systems, and process optimization. Assist in driving business growth by identifying, supporting pursuit, and capture of new opportunities in AI/ML-enabled contracts across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies; collaborate on proposals, bid strategies in support of AI solution transition. Oversee the delivery of AI/ML and automation solutions on active contracts, ensuring on-time, on-budget execution while meeting stringent government requirements for performance, security, and scalability. Build and mentor a high-performing team of AI/ML engineers, data scientists, and automation specialists; foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and collaboration across practices. Assist in establishing and enforcing AI governance frameworks, including ethical AI practices, risk management, bias mitigation, and compliance with federal policies (e.g., Executive Orders on AI, NIST standards, FedRAMP, and IL5/6+ platforms). Assist in forging strategic partnerships with technology providers (e.g., cloud hyperscalers, AI platform vendors) and academia to accelerate capability development and maintain competitive edge in government bids. Monitor emerging AI/ML trends, threats (e.g., adversarial AI), and regulatory changes; provide thought leadership through white papers, conferences, and internal briefings to position the firm as a leader in government AI. Champion workforce development in AI/ML skills, including training programs and clearance-sponsored initiatives, to build a pipeline of talent ready for classified and unclassified government work.

Qualifications

A leader who can operationalize ideas into innovative solutions to meet national security mission needs with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and automation 15+ years of relevant experience working in technologically demanding fields (e.g. engineering, software development, AI, agentic AI, automation, and data science) Excellent oral and written communicator with demonstrated ability to actively listen, encourage discussion and productive debate, and communicate complex topics to technologists and non-technical audiences Demonstrated commitment to integrity, collaboration, excellence, agility, and diversity Experience communicating to senior organizational leaders Experience leading multidisciplinary teams Demonstrated commitment to integrity, collaboration, excellence, agility, and diversity A thought leader that harnesses SPA’s expertise and cultural values to develop and share innovative perspectives and approaches inside the company and outwardly with industry and academia at conferences and professional gatherings Experience leading and mentoring staff at various stages of their careers to help them deliver their best performance and promote their development Experience managing corporate intellectual property (IP) in a Federal contracting landscape (especially supporting the delivery technology IP as a part of customer professional service engagements) Secret clearance or above with opportunity to receive a TS/SCI Willingness to work in-person at SPA’s Alexandria, Virginia, Headquarters or a negotiated alternative for Hybrid work