AI R&D Oversight Lead

Job Description

Description

SAIC is seeking an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) Oversight Lead to join our team of professionals providing technical and program services to the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). SAIC provides research, engineering, design, analysis, acquisition, development, integration, test, and operations support to USG Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) customers. We support development and delivery of next generation and generation after next national security systems based on land, at sea, in air, and in space.

The AI R&D Oversight Lead will serve as the principal advisor and coordinator for all AI-focused research and development activities within the organization. This role ensures that R&D initiatives are aligned with NRO’s mission priorities, governance standards, and requirements. Reporting to the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO) and Deputy CAIOs, the AI R&D Oversight Lead oversees the strategic direction, execution, and ethical application of AI-related research while fostering innovation and operational excellence.

In addition to leading R&D efforts, the AI R&D Oversight Lead supports the Director’s innovation investments by providing insight and ensuring alignment with mission need and governance requirements. This oversight role guarantees that NRO’s innovation investments advance groundbreaking technologies while adhering to ethical principles and national security objectives.  

The primary functions of the candidate will include, but are not limited to:

• AI Strategic R&D Planning and Innovation Oversight
• Execution and Oversight of AI Initiatives
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
• Advancing AI Innovation
• Ethnical and Governance Compliance
• Training and Workforce Development

Qualifications

• Current TS/SCI with Polygraph
• Bachelor’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field and 14+ years of experience; Masters and 12+ years of experience; PhD and 9+ years of experience
• Experience in AI research, innovation oversight, or technical leadership roles within the IC, DoD, or government agencies
• Deep knowledge of AI methodologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, expert systems, AI agents, and adversarial AI mitigation
• Familiarity with AI governance such as ICD 505 requirements, particularly regarding lifecycle governance, ethical oversight, and risk management
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage with internal stakeholders, IC counterparts, and external partners
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate research outputs and their implications for operational needs and governance standards
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills to articulate research findings and technical concepts clearly

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 24,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.