HG GEOINT Mission Technical Lead

Requisition Id16449

Overview:

The Human Geography (HG) Group, within the Geospatial Science and Human Security Division (GSHS), is seeking a Human Geography GEOINT Technical Lead to support the technical integration, operational coordination, and mission application of Human Geography capabilities. The HG portfolio-including LandScan, Population Density Tables (PDT), UrbanPop, and rapid population updates-supports operational GEOINT activities related to national security, consequence assessment, emergency response, operational planning, and population exposure analysis.

This role is intended for an individual with a strong GEOINT background and an understanding of how Human Geography data and population intelligence support Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and federal mission environments. A key aspect of the position is helping bridge the gap between DOE-based scientific research and operational GEOINT mission applications by ensuring Human Geography projects are technically supported, operationally informed, and aligned with mission-relevant needs.

In this role, you will work closely with Human Geography researchers while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams across the Division-including geospatial scientists, software engineers, AI/ML researchers, remote sensing specialists, and data scientists-to help coordinate technical support and workflows that enable both scientific advancement and operational impact. This position will help ensure Human Geography projects are supported through scalable workflows, interdisciplinary coordination, technical integration, and mission-aware GEOINT expertise.

This role enables Human Geography researchers to remain focused on scientific innovation while helping ensure research capabilities can transition effectively into operational GEOINT environments and mission-relevant applications.

Success in this role is demonstrated by the consistent, predictable delivery of Human Geography capabilities as mission-ready systems that meet sponsor expectations and operational timelines. Core products-such as LandScan Global, Mosaic, rapid population updates, and PDT-are produced with clear cadence, minimal disruption, and high confidence in quality and usability. Automated, end-to-end workflows operate seamlessly, with early visibility into risks and bottlenecks, enabling timely responses to emerging events without over-reliance on ad hoc intervention. Strong engagement with the GEOINT user community and sponsors ensures requirements are well understood, translated into actionable priorities, and delivered in a manner that builds sustained trust in both the data and the organization.

Equally important, success is reflected in the ability to scale and evolve these capabilities by leveraging expertise across the Geospatial Science and Human Security Division. Population modeling efforts are integrated across disciplines, and automation-particularly through AI-enabled and agentic workflows-is advanced beyond the Human Geography Group to create shared efficiencies and enhance overall mission impact. The result is a resilient, scalable operational environment where high-resolution population intelligence can be delivered rapidly, consistently, and at increasing scope, while enabling leadership to focus on strategic direction rather than day-to-day execution challenges.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support for Human Geography GEOINT projects, including LandScan, Population Density Tables (PDT), UrbanPop, and rapid population update activities
• Apply GEOINT mission knowledge to help identify where Human Geography capabilities support Department of Defense (DoD), Intelligence Community (IC), and federal operational needs
• Collaborate closely with Human Geography researchers to help align scientific activities with operational GEOINT applications and mission-relevant workflows
• Coordinate interdisciplinary technical support across the Division, including collaboration with AI/ML researchers, geospatial scientists, software engineers, remote sensing specialists, and compute infrastructure teams
• Support technical workflows involving population modeling, geospatial analytics, data integration, automation, and operational GEOINT production activities
• Help identify and resolve technical or workflow challenges impacting Human Geography project execution, operational support, or delivery timelines
• Support the development and integration of scalable and automated workflows that improve operational GEOINT delivery and population intelligence capabilities
• Assist with workflow coordination, QA/QC activities, technical documentation, and operational readiness supporting Human Geography mission products
• Engage with sponsors, mission users, and collaborators to help translate operational needs into technical support activities and project priorities
• Help support rapid-response and event-driven Human Geography activities requiring coordinated technical and operational GEOINT support
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to help transition scientific advancements into operationally relevant and mission-ready capabilities
  
  

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Geospatial Science, Geography, Geospatial Intelligence, Data Science, Intelligence Studies, or a related field
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in GEOINT, geospatial analysis, human geography, or related operational intelligence environments
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, mission-driven operations or programs, including oversight of cross-functional teams and delivery of high-impact capabilities
• Proven ability to translate mission requirements into operational and technical execution, including aligning priorities, resources, and deliverables
• Experience working within national security, defense, or Intelligence Community (IC) environments, including familiarity with operational workflows and stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrated experience establishing and enforcing standards, QA/QC processes, and performance metrics for data or intelligence production
• Experience managing or directing end-to-end geospatial or data production workflows, including coordination across multiple teams or organizations
• Strong ability to engage with senior leaders, sponsors, and mission users, providing technical guidance and ensuring delivery of mission-relevant capabilities
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in Geospatial Science, Geography, Data Science, Intelligence Studies, or a related field
• Extensive experience in GEOINT operations, including support to targeting, consequence assessment, or operational planning environments
• Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams (military, civilian, and/or contractor personnel) in high-tempo operational settings
• Familiarity with population modeling, human geography, or geospatial analytics at scale, including integration of multiple data sources
• Experience guiding or overseeing automation and AI/ML-enabled workflows, including application to data discovery, validation, or production systems
• Demonstrated experience with policy, doctrine, or standards development within DoD, IC, or federal environments
• Active or prior Top Secret/SCI clearance (with polygraph preferred)
• Experience coordinating across multiple agencies or Combatant Commands, translating national-level requirements into operational capabilities
• Experience developing or overseeing training, certification, or workforce development programs related to geospatial or intelligence production

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

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If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.