Managing Director for CAISER

Requisition Id 15762 

­­Overview:  

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Managing Director for CAISER  to accelerate the adoption and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in national security domains. This role will focus on expanding strategic partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and aligning ORNL’s cutting-edge AI capabilities with the needs of federal agencies, defense organizations, and critical infrastructure stakeholders.

About CAISER:

Established in 2023, CAISER is the nation’s premier research center dedicated to securing AI systems against adversarial threats. Leveraging ORNL’s world-class high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure—including Frontier, the world’s first exascale system—CAISER conducts end-to-end AI security assessments, vulnerability research, and testing across domains such as cyber defense, geospatial intelligence, autonomous systems, and TinyML for edge environments. CAISER partners with agencies like the Air Force Research Laboratory and Department of Homeland Security to ensure AI technologies are robust, trustworthy, and mission-ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead business development efforts focused on AI applications for national security, including defense, intelligence, and homeland security sectors.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with federal agencies, contractors, and industry collaborators.
• Translate CAISER’s technical capabilities into actionable solutions for mission-critical challenges.
• Collaborate with researchers, program managers, and external stakeholders to shape joint R&D initiatives and technology transition pathways.
• Represent ORNL and CAISER at national security forums, conferences, and interagency working groups.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and partnership agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, or program management within the federal or defense sector.
• Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, national security missions, and government acquisition processes.
• Proven track record of securing funding, building coalitions, and delivering results in complex stakeholder environments.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Active security clearance (or ability to obtain one) preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with AI security, adversarial machine learning, or cyber-physical systems.
• Experience working with or within federal agencies such as DoD, DHS, DOE, or Intelligence Community.
• Knowledge of HPC environments and AI testing at scale

Special Requirements: 

• Q clearance with SCI: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.  In addition, due the SCI, you may also be subject to random polygraph testing. 

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements:

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required.  Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation.  This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year.  This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) risk determination to maintain employment.  Once you meet the three-year residency requirement, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment.  

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email: ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply.  UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.