Associate or Assistant Director, Mission Systems Division

This is a research professor track and division leadership position based in Blacksburg, Virginia, and is part of the VTNSI’s Mission Systems Division (MSD). MSD brings together researchers from aerospace and ocean systems engineering, mechanical engineering, computer engineering, systems engineering, computer science, AI/ML, and other fields to develop interdisciplinary solutions to cutting-edge technological challenges in platforms, including satellites, hypersonics, UAVs, UUVs, and drone swarms involving hardware, algorithms, sensor networks and phenomenologies, and collaborates with other departments, institutes, and centers, including the Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) and the Center for Marine Autonomy and Robotics (CMAR). Successful candidates for this position will expand the division’s research in one or more of the following areas: RF systems and payloads, avionics, small satellites, hypersonics, autonomy, multiagent systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, multi-physics modeling and simulation, model-based systems engineering, and/or cyber physical security. A successful candidate should have a publication track record, a desire to work with students, experience in the role of PI on research funded projects, and an ability and willingness to work collaboratively with faculty from a variety of disciplines. The successful candidate will also proactively work to establish new relationships within the university with other relevant departments and outside the university with key stakeholders in the DoD, IC, and industry. They will also assist the Director of MSD in the leadership and management of the division and help shape and lead future strategic initiatives.

Associate Director Responsibilities include:
1. Help the director lead the investment strategy and development of new funded research programs and/or participating in the business development activities of the division;
2. Lead the execution of university-sponsored programs by conducting research and development
3. Provide mentorship to students and junior researchers working on programs including supervisory responsibilities of 5 or more junior researchers
4. Author technical documents and publish peer-reviewed academic papers
5. Support the Director in the development of the strategic plans of the division, be responsible for the development and execution of plans and policies that achieve that strategic vision, and assist in division management

Assistant Director Responsibilities include:
1. Participate in the development of new funded research programs
2. Lead the execution of university-sponsored programs by conducting research and development
3. Provide mentorship to students and junior researchers working on programs.
4. Author technical documents and publish peer-reviewed academic papers
5. Support the Director in the development of the strategic plans of the division and assist in the execution of plans and policies that achieve that strategic vision

Based on the foundation of the Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and Technology, Virginia Tech launched the Virginia Tech National Security Institute in September 2021. With a presence in Blacksburg and the Washington, D.C., metro area, the institute aspires to be the nation's preeminent academic organization at the nexus of interdisciplinary research, technology, policy, and talent development, the national security institute will advance national security in pursuit of a secure America.