Job Description

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, space science firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first spacecraft to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense.

As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL has delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) technology demonstration, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cis-lunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  We also provide game changing solutions to the most difficult and important national security space challenges. 

To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, visit https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

Make an Impact

We are seeking an innovative, forward-thinking leader, problem-solver, and communicator who is interesting in partnering with the Managing Executive (ME) in leading the Space Exploration Sector’s line organization.

The SES Deputy Managing Executive (DepME) is part of the Sector’s leadership team and will work closely with the SES ME.  The DepME will take an active role in shaping the Sector’s future direction including the identification of new challenges and opportunities.  In close collaboration with the ME, branch supervision and supporting enterprise personnel, the DepME will play a key role in the management and implementation of initiatives that will address these challenges and opportunities.

In collaboration with the ME and other organizational leaders, the DepME will:

• Motivate and empower SES leaders to recruit and retain top talent by developing and maintaining a professional work environment that emphasizes the value of diversity, inclusion, stimulates professional growth, and fosters innovation and continuous improvement.
• Works with other sector leadership to implement the Sector’s strategy.

• Identify and lead efforts to ensure that the Sector has the appropriate set of competencies and capabilities to support current and future sponsor needs.
• Work with the Sector’s two mission areas, making sure that the sector is proactive in implementing sponsored work.
• Work with senior line leadership to develop a strong understanding of sponsor and industry trends such that the Sector can develop appropriate internal and external relationships.
• Foster a Sector culture where mentoring and coaching are the norm and where all are valued for their perspective and capability.
• Work with line leaders on coaching and mentoring staff for their continual improvement.
• Seek opportunities to leverage capabilities of other sectors and departments, and to provide SES solutions to their problems wherever possible.
• Provide oversight to, lead and/or improve yearly activities across the sector such as hiring, salary, performance coaching, on-boarding, training, mentoring, etc.
• Work across APL in identifying and solving problems common across the laboratory.

Bring Your Experience

We know that everyone comes from different walks of life and brings their own vibrant diversity to the teams they join. You are the right fit at APL if you want to take on our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges in a welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have...

• Have a Bachelor’s of Science in space engineering, science or related technical field.
• Have ten years of technical experience associated with the development of complex science and/or engineering systems.
• Have five years of line management experience at the group leadership level or higher.
• Are a dynamic leader with a proven track record of being bold in identifying and persistent in driving significant initiatives that will advance the sector’s strategic plans and who will inspire others to do the same.
• Have a deep knowledge of SES programs, capabilities, and sponsors or have a demonstrated ability to learn and adapt to new working environments.
• Have been successful leading a diverse team in advancing organizational initiatives.
• Have demonstrated the ability to mentor and develop staff, and to cultivate positive relationships across organizational boundaries.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI. If selected, you will be subject to government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.  Eligibility requirements included U.S. citizenship.
• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date.

Respect and Opportunity at APL

While the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world-class expertise to a broad range of challenges, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, innovation ecosystem where you can feel safe to share ideas and to continue to grow personally and professionally. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas and have earned Best Places to Work accolades in outlets such as Fast Companies and Glassdoor.

Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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