Managing Director for CAISER

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real  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.

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,…