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Department Summary:
The Transportation Evolution and Systems Engineering Division within MITRE's Center for Integrated Transportation, which operates the FAA's Center for Advanced Aviation Systems (CASSD) Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), is seeking a dynamic and experienced technical and people leader to serve as Managing Director. This division leads a diverse portfolio of work that advances the FAA's most critical modernization efforts, including automation evolution, system integration, surveillance systems, wireless communications, cybersecurity, cloud transformation, military/civilian integration, and operational deployment strategies."
The division supports a wide range of FAA organizations across the Office of NextGen (ANG) and the Air Traffic Organization (ATO). Our work enables the safe, efficient, and accelerated deployment of cutting-edge automation capabilities into the National Airspace System (NAS), future-proofing FAA modernization programs and ensuring operational users are prepared and system transitions are smooth and sustainable. Our team operates at the intersection of strategy, systems engineering, data science, and applied research to improve decision-making, streamline operations, and reduce risks and long-term costs for FAA and NAS stakeholders.
We are looking for a Managing Director who can shape and lead the technical direction of this high-impact portfolio, grow and develop a world-class team of engineers and analysts, and build enduring partnerships with FAA sponsors, academia, industry, and other FFRDCs.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management
Responsible for leading all aspects of the Transportation Evolution and Systems Engineering Division to include the division strategy, strategic partnerships, financial stewardship, and work program execution.
Responsible for developing and sustaining trusted relationships with executive FAA sponsors and industry and operational stakeholders, becoming a trusted advisor to the FAA's modernization and automation senior leadership team.
Accountable for identifying and anticipating major sponsor and environmental trends, opportunities, and issues; continually shaping the plan and strategy to achieve mission impact.
Accountable for the technical quality of work products working with the Division Chief Engineer.
Accountable for staff development - recruiting, hiring, coaching, performance management, development, and salary administration.
Accountable for delivering on work program delivery targets and managing all division overhead budgets.
Technical Leadership
Responsible for defining CAASD's strategy and technical approach for advancing the FAA's modernization strategy and providing technical leadership to support our sponsors as they deploy the Brand New Air Traffic Control System (BNATCS).
Oversee the planning and execution of a diverse work program that spans information-centric concepts and models, systems engineering, cloud transformation, DevSecOps, risk mitigation, digital modernization, COTS and 3rd-party service adoption and integration, and automation deployment.
Translate national and sponsor priorities into actionable, measurable outcomes that deliver tangible impact to the FAA and broader aviation community.
Engage with MITRE Labs and aviation thought leaders to shape new approaches and incorporate research innovations into sponsor-facing efforts.
Sponsor Engagement
Serve as a trusted partner to FAA senior leaders, understanding and anticipating strategic needs across operations, programs, and field deployment.
Establish connections within industries to share existing and emerging stakeholder needs (e.g., GA/BA users, new entrants for AAM operations) and guide industry solutions.
Lead cross-organizational collaboration with other MITRE sectors, centers, and divisions to support integrated, enterprise-level FAA solutions.
People Management
Lead a high-performing division of engineers, analysts, and project leaders, fostering a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
Recruit, mentor, and retain top talent with capabilities in cloud engineering, automation systems, aviation operations, and human-system integration.
Conduct performance reviews, manage career development, and support staff in pursuing meaningful career growth aligned with both technical depth and sponsor impact.
Drive workforce planning efforts to ensure staffing agility and readiness for emerging sponsor challenges and opportunities.
Basic Qualifications:
Requires a minimum of 15 years of related experience with a bachelor's engineering degree; or 12 years and a Master's engineering degree; or a PhD in engineering with 10 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
Degree in systems engineering, computer science, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
Demonstrated success managing high-performing technical teams and developing talent.
Strong background in aviation systems, transportation automation, or large-scale systems engineering.
Experience engaging with senior government sponsors to shape impactful work.
Familiarity with FAA programs, modernization initiatives, and operational constraints.
Excellent communication skills, including the ability to synthesize and present complex technical ideas to executives, engineers, and operational stakeholders.
Ability to obtain and maintain FAA Suitability security clearance.
This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on-site.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with FAA legacy and new automation systems across FAA Air Traffic Systems (e.g., ERAM, TBFM, TFDM, SWIM, TFMS).
Background in full lifecycle systems engineering, architecture design, technical integration, DevSecOps, digital engineering, technology transition, and/or operational deployment applied to transportation or government systems.
Familiarity with MITRE's role as an FFRDC and experience working across public sector and government partners.
This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Suitability - FAA
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Suitability - FAA
Work Location Type:
Onsite
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.
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