CDAO - Enterprise AI - Director, Autonomy Division

As the Director of the Autonomy Division within CDAO's Enterprise Directorate, you will lead the division's strategic roadmap for digital infrastructure and software capabilities that enable rapid autonomy development and deployment across the Joint Force. You will coordinate with key stakeholders, including the Services, Combatant Commands, and industry partners, to accelerate the transition of commercial technology into DoW autonomy programs. You will also direct programmatic funding lines and budget submissions, utilizing rapid acquisition pathways to optimize cost, schedule, and technical performance. Your mission is to deliver the digital capabilities that make rapid autonomy development and deployment possible, enabling the deployment of highly effective, safe, and reliable autonomous systems in days or weeks, rather than years.

Responsibilities

• Division Leadership & Strategic Alignment: Lead the CDAO’s Autonomy Division, defining the strategic roadmap for digital infrastructure and software capabilities that enable rapid autonomy development across the Joint Force. Align the division’s objectives with Direct Reporting Program Manager for Unmanned Systems and broader DoW warfighting concepts.
• High-Level Stakeholder Integration: Coordinate with the Services, Military Departments, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), and other UxS stakeholders to ensure synchronized joint capability.
• Commercial & Industrial Base Acceleration: Partner with DIU and commercial industry to rapidly deliver autonomous platforms and capabilities to the DoW. Accelerate the transition of cutting-edge commercial technology, including AI, navigation algorithms, and other technologies, into DoW autonomy programs.
• Budgetary & Programmatic Execution: Strategically direct and plan programmatic funding lines, program elements (PEs), and budget submissions for the Autonomy Division, utilizing rapid acquisition pathways to optimize cost, schedule, and technical performance.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Candidate is encouraged to provide e-portfolio, project samples, Github, etc. to their submission package.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration
• This position is subject to provisions of the WHS/OSW Priority Placement Program (please see details below)
• A three-year trial period may be required if not previously completed a trial or probationary period in the excepted or competitive service
• Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
• Required to participate in the direct deposit program.
• This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
• We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
• Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives may be authorized based on the availability of funds.
• This position requires a Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
• If you are a veteran claiming veteran's preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.
• This position may require work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or mandatory overtime.
• This position may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station via military or commercial aircraft.