AI Strategist

Essential Qualifications/Experience:

·       University degree (at minimum Master's level) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field. A PhD in a relevant AI/ML discipline is strongly preferred

·       15+ years of professional experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, signal processing, or related fields, including direct experience in research and development of AI/ML systems

·       Demonstrated expertise in deep learning science and technology, including architectures such as DNNs, CNNs, RNNs, LSTMs, Transformers, and generative models, with application to real-world problems

·       Strong track record of managing and leading AI/ML research projects, including coordination of proposal writing, project management, supervision of researchers, and engagement with industry and public-sector partners

·       Experience in conducting feasibility studies, state-of-the-art technology assessments, and technology roadmapping for AI/ML solutions in a research or applied context

·       Proven ability to translate complex AI/ML concepts into actionable recommendations for non-specialist audiences, including military and defence-sector stakeholders

·       Experience working in or with academic institutions, including supervision or co-supervision of PhD students and management of collaborative research programmes funded by NATO, national or EU bodies

·       Demonstrated experience in responsible AI principles including ethics, explainability, fairness, and governance within AI/ML system design

·       Prior experience in collaborating with or providing consulting services to defence, security, or government organisations on AI/ML-related topics

·       Candidate must have the nationality of one of the NATO nations

Desirable Qualifications/Experience:

·       Experience with AI/ML application domains directly relevant to defence and military systems, including but not limited to: target characterisation, trajectory estimation, sensor data fusion, situational awareness, and decision-support systems

·       Experience with the NATO BMD Programme, IAMD concepts, or NATO C4ISR systems architecture.

·       Familiarity with NATO responsibilities and organisation, including ACT and ACO

·       Prior working experience in an international environment comprising both military and civilian elements

·       Participation in international standardisation bodies or working groups related to AI, signal processing, or communications

·       Experience with innovative emerging technologies such as large language models (LLMs), reinforcement learning for complex systems, multimodal AI, and human-agent interaction

·       More than 50 peer-reviewed scientific publications, or equivalent evidence of recognised scientific standing in the AI/ML field (as evidenced by citation count, h-index, or equivalent bibliometric indicators)

DUTIES/ROLE:

·       Leading the identification and scoping of AI/ML use cases applicable to (T)BMD fire-control coordination and IAMD operational challenges

·       Reviewing existing NIAG SG300 reports and TBMD simulation data to establish baseline knowledge and identify relevant datasets

·       Designing a baseline data architecture and methodological framework for the responsible use of advanced AI technologies within the BMD domain, informed by NATO’s current AI architecture and near-term plans

·       Conducting feasibility studies on emerging AI/ML computational techniques (such as machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and large language models) and assessing their potential operational benefit for identified use cases

·       Developing and evaluating AI/ML software prototypes and demonstrators for selected BMD use cases at NATO UNCLASSIFIED level in the NATO Software Factory (NSF). All development to take place in NSF and to use existing LLMs where needed (to make it easier to migrate to NS)

·       Preparing and providing subject matter (BMD AI) briefings, expert reports, and feasibility study documentation related to the project work

·       Developing and documenting a responsible AI framework aligned to the NATO Principles of Responsible AI Use (PRU), as outlined in the NATO AI Strategy, but specifically tailored to the BMD context. This work should follow NATO ambition and align with existing work on the topic as required

·       Planning and delivering subject matter (BMD AI) training and knowledge transfer sessions to the NCIA project team and a wider NCIA community, focusing on the BMD case. NCIA will share currently available AI training material with the contractor team