Research Program Manager - ICL
501201
Atlanta, Georgia
Avionics
Electronic Warfare
RF
Researchers
Overview:
The Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) is the nonprofit, applied research division of the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). Founded in 1934 as the Engineering Experiment Station, GTRI has grown to more than 2,900 employees, supporting eight laboratories in over 20 locations around the country and performing more than $940 million of problem-solving research annually for government and industry. GTRI's renowned researchers combine science, engineering, economics, policy, and technical expertise to solve complex problems for the U.S. federal government, state, and industry.
Georgia Tech's Mission and Values
Georgia Tech's mission is to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. The Institute has nine key values that are foundational to everything we do:
- Students are our top priority.
- We strive for excellence.
- We thrive on diversity.
- We celebrate collaboration.
- We champion innovation.
- We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
- We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
- We act ethically.
- We are responsible stewards.
Over the next decade, Georgia Tech will become an example of inclusive innovation, a leading technological research university of unmatched scale, relentlessly committed to serving the public good; breaking new ground in addressing the biggest local, national, and global challenges and opportunities of our time; making technology broadly accessible; and developing exceptional, principled leaders from all backgrounds ready to produce novel ideas and create solutions with real human impact.
Project/Unit Description
The Georgia Tech Research Institute's (GTRI) Information and Communications Laboratory (ICL), Communications and Spectrum Systems Division (CSSD), seeks experienced professionals to lead complex tactical communications research portfolios in a fast-paced environment supporting national security and warfighter capability.
CSSD operates by the principle "Mission Focused; People Empowered," driving operational excellence and technical leadership by aligning work to warfighter outcomes while investing in employee growth, tools, and expertise. The Division promotes a culture of innovation, integrity, and ownership, enabling teams to deliver meaningful solutions for those who serve.
CSSD has a strong legacy in cellular network technologies, with expertise spanning 4G LTE, 5G, and NextG systems. The Division is a leader in adapting commercial cellular technologies for tactical and contested environments and is recognized for its leadership in the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), supporting the Department of Defense's shift toward modular, vendor-agnostic system designs.
The Division delivers advanced solutions across five mission areas: JADC2, Spectrum Warfare, AI/ML, NextG & ISAC, and UAS Operations. Its work is built on four core capabilities: SDR Design and Development, including rugged small-form-factor radios, waveform expertise, verification and validation, and integration; System Software Architecture, including SOSA, CMOSS, AMS-GRA, embedded systems, DevSecOps, CI/CD, and MBSE; Disaggregated Network Architecture, scaling from 10 to more than 1,000 nodes, including drone swarms; and Mission Planning and Geospatial Systems, including FalconView, situational awareness, and geospatial data fusion.
CSSD supports the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
Job Purpose
The Research Program Manager directs and oversees a portfolio of research projects that includes internal and external sponsor and stakeholder engagement. The Research Program Manager is responsible both for the oversight of technical execution, schedule, and budget of assigned portfolios. Specifically, the Research Program Manager develops the planning of programs and future projects through routine interactions with stakeholders. The Research Program Manager develops trusted relationships with sponsors and also serves in an advisory capacity to critical stakeholders defining the technical direction of projects and technical thrusts.
Key Responsibilities
Oversee technical government programs which are of relatively medium risk and medium complexity
Ensure that all required resources such as engineering expertise, manpower, production, computer infrastructure, facilities, etc. are available for the program
Build multi-disciplinary teams across the organization
Plan, direct, and monitor program budgets and serve as primary sponsor contact for program information inquiries
Oversee delivery of project deliverables
Author and contribute to project deliverables
Coordinate schedules, briefing materials, minutes and logistics associated with project meetings
Direct program growth by proposing new ideas to sponsors and marketing new technology or follow-on business opportunities
Understand and presents GTRI core competencies and lab capabilities to external sponsors and stakeholders
Maintain an understanding of various sponsors interests in a given technical area
Coordinate with program development leads and GTRI support units on large proposals and training curriculum
Additional Responsibilities
Leverage existing relationships with USAF, Navy, Space Force, and other service components to identify new program opportunities
Engage with cyber operations, electronic warfare, communications, and signals intelligence communities to understand emerging requirements
Cultivate and maintain sponsor relationships at operational commands including AFCYBER, NAVWAR, Space Delta 6 (Cyberspace Warfare), Space Delta 8 (Satellite Communications), Space Systems Command, and related organization
Develop relationships with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) directorates including Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management (C3BM), Cyber and Networks Directorate, and Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) Integration Directorate
Execute business development strategies targeting high-value, complex programs in tactical communications, SATCOM, multi-domain battle management, and spectrum operations domains
Engage with Air Force Research Laboratory Information & Spectrum Warfare Directorate and other service research organizations
Develop relationships with Combat Communications Squadrons, base-level Communications Groups, and expeditionary communications units to understand operational requirements
Represent CSSD at industry days, technical symposia, and government-sponsored working groups
Conduct competitive analysis and technology assessments to inform program positioning and investment decisions
Coordinate program transitions from research phase to operational deployment or follow-on production programs
Facilitate technical interchange meetings between research teams and operational subject matter experts
Coordinate with GTRI contracts and finance offices to ensure proper execution of funding, modifications, and closeout activities
Develop and maintain program documentation including program management plans, risk registers, and lessons learned repositories
Prepare and submit required program reports to sponsors including monthly status reports, quarterly reviews, and annual program assessments
Manage program security requirements including classification guidance, security classification guides, and personnel security coordination
Coordinate intellectual property management activities including invention disclosures, patent applications, and technology transfer initiatives
Manage subcontractor and teaming partner relationships including task order development, performance monitoring, and issue resolution
Participate in proposal review boards and provide technical and programmatic input on division proposals
Support facility and laboratory requirements planning for assigned programs including equipment procurement and workspace allocation
Participate in peer reviews and independent assessments of other division programs
Support recruitment and hiring activities for research staff assigned to program portfolios
Participate in division-level strategic planning meetings and capability development workshops
Coordinate with Georgia Tech academic departments to identify collaboration opportunities and leverage university research capabilities
Maintain awareness of relevant DoD policies, directives, and acquisition regulations affecting program execution
Support organizational quality management initiatives and continuous process improvement activities
Support division leadership with ad hoc analyses, special projects, and organizational initiatives as assigned
Participate in emergency response and business continuity planning activities for assigned programs
Required Minimum Qualifications
Minimum 7 years of progressive professional experience in program management, project management, or technical leadership roles
Minimum 5 years of experience managing DoD research and development programs or projects with budgets exceeding $5M
Minimum 5 years of experience with tactical communications systems, electronic warfare systems, cyber operations systems, signals intelligence systems, or satellite communications systems
Experience with program management methodologies and tools including scheduling software (Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent)
Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes including Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) and program milestone reviews
Understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
Familiarity with commercial and tactical waveforms such as SATURN, 5G, Starshield, Kuiper, VULOS, MUOS, or TrellisWare waveforms
Minimum 3 years of experience working directly with USAF, Navy, Space Force, or other DoD service component program offices or operational commands
Demonstrated experience engaging with DoD sponsors including program executive offices, operational commands, or research laboratories
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project
Experience with budget management and financial tracking
Ability to prepare and deliver technical briefings to senior leadership and government sponsors
Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25% of time
Valid driver's license
Active Secret security clearance (minimum) with ability to obtain Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI)
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree
10+ years of program management experience in DoD research and development environment
Experience managing portfolios of multiple concurrent research programs valued at $15M+ annually
Direct experience with software-defined radio (SDR) design, development, or integration programs
Experience with waveform development, verification and validation, or certification processes
Knowledge of open architecture standards including SCA, CMOSS, AXS-GRA, or GRAs (e.g. AMS-GRA or A-GRA)
Experience with disaggregated network architectures, mesh networks, or mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs)
Prior military service with tactical communications, electronic warfare, spectrum operations, cyber operations, or signals intelligence experience
Established relationships with AFCYBER, NAVWAR, Space Delta 6, Space Delta 8, Space Systems Command, or AFLCMC directorates
Experience coordinating with Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Research Laboratory, or Army Research Laboratory
Experience with Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) directorates including C3BM, Cyber and Networks, or NC3 Integration
Knowledge of Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiatives and requirements
Experience with AI/ML integration in communications or spectrum systems
Familiarity with DevSecOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
Experience with mission planning tools such as FalconView or geospatial systems
Knowledge of protected MILSATCOM systems including narrowband, wideband, and protected-band communications
Experience with spectrum warfare, dynamic spectrum access, or cognitive radio technologies
Understanding of communications in contested or denied electromagnetic spectrum environments
Experience with anti-jam, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD), or resilient waveform technologies
Active TS/SCI security clearance with CI Polygraph
Program Management Professional (PMP) certification
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification Level II or III in Program Management or Systems Engineering
Graduate of Senior Service College (Air War College, Naval War College, Army War College, etc.)
Graduate of intermediate or senior-level professional military education (Air Command and Staff College, Naval Command College, etc.)
Experience leading cross-functional teams of 20+ personnel
Experience managing geographically distributed teams across multiple locations
Experience with rapid prototyping, experimentation, and transition to operational use
Published research or technical papers in communications, electronic warfare, or spectrum operations domains
Active participation in professional organizations such as AFCEA, Association of Old Crows, or IEEE
Experience with contract types including CPFF, FFP, T&M, and IDIQ vehicles
Familiarity with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) oversight and reporting requirements
Experience responding to Broad Agency Announcements (BAA), RFPs, and competitive solicitations
Knowledge of cost estimating methods and Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) development
Experience with intellectual property management, patent applications, and technology transfer initiatives
Understanding of ITAR and export control compliance requirements
Experience managing Special Access Programs (SAP) or compartmented programs
Familiarity with tactical data links (Link 16, SADL, TTNT, etc.)
Experience with real-time embedded systems and RTOS platforms
Knowledge of 5G/FutureG cellular technologies and military applications
Travel Requirements
10% - 25% travel
Education and Length of Experience
7 years of related experience with a Masters' degree or higher in a STEM-related discipline, including Operations Research, Aeronautics, Systems Engineering is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, professional experience, and demonstrated expertise may be considered in lieu of the preferred STEM degree requirement.
4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in a STEM-related Operations Research, Aeronautics, Systems Engineering, or related discipline is preferred. An equivalent combination of relevant education, professional experience, and demonstrated expertise may be considered in lieu of the preferred STEM degree requirement
U.S. Citizenship Requirements
Due to our research contracts with the U.S. federal government, candidates for this position must be U.S. Citizens.
Clearance Type Required
Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.
Benefits at GTRI
Comprehensive information on currently offered GTRI benefits, including Health & Welfare, Retirement Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Time Off, and Professional Development, can be found through this link: https://benefits.hr.gatech.edu/.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The Institute is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for all. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and Institute policy, Georgia Tech provides equal opportunity to all faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including applicants for admission and/or employment, contractors, volunteers, and participants in institutional programs, activities, or services. Georgia Tech complies with all applicable laws and regulations governing equal opportunity in the workplace and in educational activities.
Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia ("USG") and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of an individual's race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions. Further, Georgia Tech prohibits citizenship status, immigration status, and national origin discrimination in hiring, firing, and recruitment, except where such restrictions are required in order to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or Attorney General directive, or where they are required by Federal, State, or local government contract.
USG Core Values Statement
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.