Associate Director of Technology Leadership (Robotics)

Founded by Dr. Eric Schmidt, the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) is a 501(c)3 private operating foundation tasked with making recommendations to strengthen America’s long-term global competitiveness for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies reshape our global strategic environment. The project is organized into three directorates - Global Partnerships, Technology Leadership, and AI Adoption. Each directorate will analyze AI and other emerging technologies, address how these technologies will reshape their field and produce detailed recommendations to ensure that America is organized to win the techno-economic competition.

SCSP's National Security Commission on Robotics for Advanced Manufacturing is a bipartisan effort to align government, academia, and industry around a shared vision. Its mission is to ensure America’s long-term economic vitality by creating the blueprint for the widespread adoption of next-generation robotics as the cornerstone of advanced manufacturing. The Commission aims to restore U.S. production leadership by mastering the convergence of physical AI and automation, turning manufacturing capacity into a durable national security asset.

As part of the Technology Leadership team, you will gain exposure to a broad range of topics related to the commission, in addition to manufacturing, emerging technologies, national security and the policy-making process. SCSP offers a dynamic work environment, and each employee becomes an integral part of our team. This is an in-person position at our headquarters in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Research & Analysis: Conduct in-depth original research, data analysis, and policy analysis focused on robotics, advanced manufacturing, physical AI, and national security.
• Trend Monitoring: Independently, and as part of the Robotics team, monitor and analyze trends, developments, and emerging issues in relevant fields and areas of interest for SCSP and the panel, and identify opportunities for additional research and analysis.
• Content Creation: Produce written products based on the above research and analysis, including drafting original reports, briefing documents, talking points, newsletters, opinion pieces, action plans, and other written products—individually or in coordination with one or more members of the research and analysis team.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other panel research team members, as well as the operations, public affairs, and government affairs teams, to ensure advance preparation of materials needed for a variety of engagements, meetings, and events.
• Strategic Planning: Participate in the development of the Panel's and SCSP's shared goals, priorities, and critical tasks.
• Mentorship: Support and mentor panel research assistants in their research and analysis to ensure project deliverables meet requirements and deadlines.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure high quality and rigorous standards for research and analysis, including adherence to SCSP's protocols and procedures for citation, writing style, and potential conflicts.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Manufacturing Systems, Industrial Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field (Master’s Degree preferred).
• Experience: 2 to 5 years of research and analysis experience. Experience in relevant fields identified above is preferred.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Expertise in one or more relevant fields, including Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation, Physical AI, or Advanced Manufacturing, is preferred.
• Work Style: Self-starter with strong initiative, ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Analytical Skills: Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights for senior leadership and policymakers.
• Project Management: Excellent research project management abilities.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey a variety of concepts to diverse audiences.

$64,000 - $91,500 a year

This is an exempt position.