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AI Program Manager

The MITRE Corporation
Gaithersburg, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 4/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/24/2026
Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.

Department Summary:

MITRE is seeking an AI Program Manager for the National Cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center (NCF) with expertise in AI program oversight, deep understanding of the current state of AI technology, industry acceleration and development of AI technologies, and barriers facing broader AI adoption. This individual will drive execution and management for a diverse collection of ongoing AI related projects and facilitate the development of new AI related projects within the NCF to impact real world problems with AI enabled solutions. This is a growth position, requiring a highly motivated and self-starting individual who can manage the constant challenges of an expanding AI related work program supporting a critical and evolving sponsor mission. The candidate should be comfortable interacting and building trusted relationships with government sponsors and industry partners at all levels while leading a diverse team of technical and operational experts to deliver results against the division and sponsor objectives.

The NCF, sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), is focused on the development and implementation of best practices and technological advancements for critical and emerging technology areas. The AI Program Manager is expected to work across MITRE to shape and deliver high impact quality outcomes, to staff projects with best available talent, and initiate activities that result in execution excellence and the creation of new opportunities. Further, the Program Manager will strive to bring MITRE internal research and platforms to the programs to ensure the solutions offered by the projects will have the greatest technical impact on the sponsors' most difficult problems. The AI Program Manager is expected to establish external and internal partnerships to foster collaboration towards solving a wide range of technically challenging problems.

This AI Program Manager position requires strong technical leadership and excellent project management and interpersonal skills to advise and mentor Project Leaders and effectively manage relationships with the sponsors. This role is an AI-thought leader with deep knowledge about the current state-of-the-art technology and challenges, and vision about the future of the industry. The candidate will work closely with the NCF Department Managers and MITRE Labs to identify and select Project Leaders and ensure delivery of high-quality technical products. This is a complex and rewarding technical work program with high visibility across the corporation.

Job Responsibilities:

The successful candidate is expected to:
  • Serve as the division's primary leader for AI related sponsor engagement and work program development/execution.
  • Be responsible for identifying opportunities to help the sponsors with difficult problems, shape new projects within the program, and expand the program to incorporate the breadth of MITRE capabilities.
  • Assess technical risks and opportunities that inform the sponsors' program strategies and investment decisions.
  • Serve as a thought leader and mentor to Project Leaders in the areas of strategic planning, quality assurance of deliverables, contract administration, financial planning and budgeting, and project execution and documentation.
  • Provide strong AI thought leadership and technical acumen to actively contribute to the technical work program.
  • Collaborate with the Department Managers and the Division Chief Engineer to help build and maintain a strong AI related work program and technically proficient staff within the department and division.
  • Work with Project Leaders to track and ensure execution of the projects that meet and exceed sponsor objectives.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with industry and academia.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
  • Demonstrated technical breadth in AI technology.
  • Demonstrated record of strong project/program management and leadership skills.
  • Track record of innovative thinking.
  • Strong interpersonal skills as well as effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Motivation to expand knowledge/skills and assume responsibility.
  • Depth of knowledge in sponsor mission area.
  • Strong strategic thinking skills.
  • Must also obtain and maintain TS/SCI and DHS fitness and suitability clearance requirements within one year.
  • This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Deep knowledge of current state of AI technology and how to apply it to real world problems in an accelerated way, including with a solid understanding of where the technology is going and where there will likely be gaps in industry development.
  • MS or PhD in AI or computer science.
  • Strong relationships or connections with AI industry leaders and forward leaning organizations adopting AI technologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with sponsors at a senior level to identify key technical problems and opportunities to accelerate AI adoption and impact.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
None

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$191,200 - $239,000 - $286,800 Annual

Work Location Type:
Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.

Benefits information may be found here.

Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

Salary : $191,200 - $239,000

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