NASA Begins Search for Chief AI and Data Officer
The permanent Senior Executive Service role will steer the agency's data strategy and AI mission adoption.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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NASA has opened a search for a permanent Senior Executive Service chief data and super intelligence officer to oversee its enterprise data strategy and AI integration. The role, currently held by an acting official, will lead technical adoption across agency missions.
Why it matters
This leadership role was established following a September executive order from President Donald Trump requiring federal agencies to adopt the chief data and super intelligence officer title. It signals a shift in federal administrative structure to prioritize AI governance alongside data strategy.
The agency manages a massive scale of technical operations, supported by a proposed $76 billion IT budget for fiscal year 2027 across civilian agencies. This figure represents the total federal IT commitment vs. prior-year spending levels.
The players
NASA
A federal agency managing space exploration and aeronautics that is currently integrating advanced AI models into its mission architecture.
President Donald Trump
The current President of the United States who issued an executive order mandating the chief data and super intelligence officer title.
Sean Gallagher
The permanent Chief Information Officer at NASA who oversees the agency's digital infrastructure and IT policy.
Kevin Murphy
The current acting chief AI officer and acting chief data officer leading the agency's data strategy transition.
The details
Candidates for the Washington, D.C.-based post must possess high-level executive and technical qualifications. The position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance, a designation for access to classified intelligence, and mandatory financial disclosure filings. Applicants currently serving as civil service employees or those eligible for Senior Executive Service reinstatement are the primary focus for the hiring panel.
Timeline
December 2025: Department of Energy invested over $320 million into AI models.
June 2026: Sean Gallagher transitioned to permanent CIO.
July 2026: NASA committed to the Genesis Mission.
October 29, 2026: Official application window closes.
The Tech Race
This appointment aligns with the broader federal push to standardize AI governance across civilian agencies. It follows a significant $320 million Department of Energy investment in AI models and robotics intended to secure technological leadership.
Prospective applicants must submit a two-page executive resume via the USAJobs portal to be considered for the Senior Executive Service role. The appointment will ultimately dictate the technical procurement and AI deployment strategies for all future NASA missions.
The takeaway
This search marks a formal transition toward centralized AI leadership within the federal space sector. Observers should track the upcoming FedCiv Summit for further details on how this role will coordinate with the $5 billion Genesis Mission expansion.
What happens next
The application process concludes on October 29, 2026, coinciding with the FedCiv Summit.
Further reading
For more on how government agencies are integrating new machine learning standards, explore our Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Executive Gov.
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