Job Description

Do you have a passion for space and for leading staff in developing unique mechanical solutions on challenging spaceflight missions?

Are you an experienced leader, excited to manage a large group of talented, committed staff, providing leadership and career development?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking an engineering leader to manage the SEM Group within the Space Exploration Sector, the group responsible for end-to-end mechanical design, analysis, assembly, and test of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems.

As Group Supervisor you can expect to: 

• Provide technical, administrative, and strategic leadership for the Group, encompassing mechanical systems engineering, mechanical design, structural and thermal analysis and test, packaging engineering, propulsion systems engineering, and environmental test engineering. Maintain the Group’s core competencies (staff capabilities, facilities, and equipment) to ensure they remain relevant to the mission of the Space Exploration Sector.
•  Spearhead the development of strategic technology plans and associated group plans for the continued advancement of the Group’s staff, products, and services.
• Perform group planning, business development, and line management functions to support the Civil Space Execution, Space Formulation, and National Security Space Mission Areas and the SE Branch Office.
• Recruit, develop, oversee, and manage a diverse and highly skilled workforce with expertise in the core technical areas of the Group. Identify and develop key talent for future leadership roles. Supervise staff performance, staff reclassification and program/project appointments and assignments.
• Foster coaching and mentoring within the Group for growth of individual careers and group capability.
• Maintain Group infrastructure, including laboratories and equipment, to ensure it remains relevant to the mission of the Space Exploration Sector. Manage capital, overhead, and training budgets. 

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline with at least 10 years’ experience with space-flight and/or mechanical systems development and test.
• At least three years prior supervisory experience in a relevant technical hardware development arena.
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communications skills.
• Experience with AS9100 compliance or other quality management system.
• Are able to obtain a Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• MS or PhD in Engineering, Physics, or closely related field.
• Previous APL experience as a Group, Assistant Group, or Section supervisor.
• Knowledge of NASA and DoD satellite systems and requirements.
• Experience with APL policies and systems including ratings, budgeting, purchasing and business practices.
• Demonstrated leadership experience at APL.
• Use of RMIS or PEER for project and group management.

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first 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 also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, 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 cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. 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 http://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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