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: 

1. Students are our top priority.
2. We strive for excellence.
3. We thrive on diversity.
4. We celebrate collaboration.
5. We champion innovation.
6. We safeguard freedom of inquiry and expression.
7. We nurture the wellbeing of our community.
8. We act ethically.
9. 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.

Location

Smyrna, GA (Metro Atlanta)

Project/Unit Description

Command, Control & Communications Division (C3D) within the Sensors and Electromagnetic Applications Laboratory (SEAL) serves as a leading applied research division within GTRI, delivering cutting-edge communications and data fusion capabilities to the warfighter. With a focus on multi-domain command and control (C2), AI/ML-powered decision support, and integrated sensor-to-platform networking, C3D develops technical solutions that address evolving battlefield challenges. The division leverages a national footprint with direct sponsor engagements across DoD agencies, federal labs, and industry partners, ensuring that emerging technologies align with mission needs.

C3D specializes in resilient tactical communications, advanced RF/IP networking architectures, and AI-driven battlefield analytics, supporting swift decision-making and seamless data exchange in joint, coalition, and contested operations. By fusing disaggregated sensor inputs into shared operational models, C3D enhances situational awareness, mission success, and warfighter survivability.

The division operates across multiple research sites, employing a highly skilled interdisciplinary team of engineers, AI scientists, and domain experts to advance next-generation C2 capabilities. Through innovative prototyping, rigorous validation, and strategic partnerships, C3D drives technology evolution for defense applications, securing a decisive advantage in great-power conflicts and emerging warfare scenarios.

Job Purpose

Lead multiple sponsored research projects. Assist Division Chief with operations including overhead budget management, hiring, AIS support and facilities management.

This Division Chief position comes with a Technical Working Title of Electrical Engineer.

The Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electronic circuits fabricated to support a wide range of programs. Additionally, the Electrical Engineer utilizes electrical circuit design and analysis tools to lay out and model circuit performance. The Electrical Engineer also guides assembly, test, and integration of electronic circuits, as well as tests, analyzes, and diagnoses malfunctions in existing hardware. Furthermore, the Electrical Engineer researches component and material specifications and assembly and manufacturing methods for electronic circuits.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage Division space and facilities including moves, furniture, office assignments and equipment
• Manage Division overhead budgets including RMA, Professional Development and Materials and Supplies
• Ensure sponsored research projects are appropriately supported
• Assist Division Chief with hiring

Additional Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and analysis of advanced Command and Control (C2) solutions, focusing on multi-domain operational effectiveness.
• Drive data fusion and integration efforts, ensuring seamless interoperability across sensors, platforms, and networks in contested environments.
• Collaborate with DoD sponsors, industry partners, and research teams to align technical solutions with mission needs and operational priorities.
• Oversee testing and validation of emerging C2 technologies, ensuring compliance with military standards, security protocols, and data governance frameworks.
• Support workforce development initiatives, mentoring personnel in advanced AI/ML applications, tactical communications, and cross-domain data integration.
• Advocate for innovative methodologies that enhance decision superiority and operational agility in joint, coalition, and multi-domain combat environments.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Proven ability to secure research funding and manage complex projects, navigating sponsor priorities and regulatory constraints.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies for technical and non-technical audiences. 
• The ability to obtain and maintain a DoD TS/SCI Security Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Top Secret Clearance
• Existing positive relationships with individuals in the base of potential sponsors for C3D research
• Prior leadership of sponsored research projects and sponsor interactions related to the program portfolios of C3D
• Ability to exceed 25% travel in months where travel requirements for division-level business development and sponsored project support overlap
• An established background in facilitating dialogue, collaboration, and partnership among research personnel, government, and industry stakeholders

Travel Requirements

10% - 25% travel

Education and Length of Experience

This position vacancy is an open-rank announcement. The final job offer will be dependent on candidate qualifications in alignment with Research Faculty Extension Professional ranks as outlined in section 3.2.1 of the Georgia Tech Faculty Handbook

• 9 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• 7 years of related experience with a Masters’ degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.
• 4 years of related experience with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or related discipline.

Please refer to our Research Faculty Technical Level Guidelines for minimum requirements at the higher levels (Levels 5 & 6).

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 University 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 University 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.

Georgia Tech prohibits discrimination, including discriminatory harassment, on the basis of race, ethnicity, ancestry, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment, and admissions.  This prohibition applies to faculty, staff, students, and all other members of the Georgia Tech community, including affiliates, invitees, and guests. 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.