Program Manager, Satellite Communications & PNT at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Are you an experienced Program or Project Manager with a passion for Space systems?

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

We are seeking a Program Manager (PM) to lead programs and sponsor engagement for the Space Systems Command’s Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) and Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) mission area.  These programs are focused on driving game changing capability improvements in the nation’s nuclear command and control and PNT architectures, exploring ways to address critical challenges in operating in space as a warfighting domain, and collaborating with the Government to identify ways to procure critical capabilities faster to meet the rapidly evolving threat.  The selected PM will be part of the Space Systems Command Program Area.

The PM will develop and manage a team to provide thought leadership, technical assessments, and recommendations to increase operational impact to Government sponsors in the MILSATCOM and PNT mission area and more broadly across the Space Systems Command and its mission partners.  The work will include executing a software intensive testbed for a satellite communications testbed and providing systems engineering analysis and recommendations to Government sponsors.  The selected individual will work in the LA office leased space as well as in secure and unclassified sponsor spaces in the El Segundo, CA, area.  The PM will be deeply connected with the sponsor, leading daily interaction with the sponsor team, including government, Aerospace, and SETA support, while ensuring APL contributes the highest quality technical advice. Some program work is highly classified.

This PM will help APL and our sponsors coordinate, define, and develop efforts at the highest levels of government and across many important national institutions. APL has been working with its sponsors to advance technologies and techniques through engineering analysis and development. This work requires the ability to respond rapidly and conceptualize, develop, test and deliver prototype hardware, software and modeling and analysis systems in support of operational needs, while maintaining the Space Exploration Sector’s process rigor and high technical quality.  The PM will lead teams performing engineering analysis and development.  The PM will implement APL’s systems engineering approach and apply SES quality assurance processes to these efforts. In addition, the PM will work with sponsors to share APL’s rigorous engineering approach so the sponsor can apply it to their own in-house development efforts. As part of the National Security Space Mission Area, this PM will be accountable for program execution, opportunity identification, and proposal development.

As a Program Manager, you will…

• Program Execution: As PM you will lead a world class team executing current efforts that include conceptualizing new systems, defining requirements; developing concepts of operations; analyzing architectures; defining and leading studies to maximize program functionality; assessing risk and recommending risk mitigations; developing, planning, executing, and overseeing verification and validation programs to ensure operational results; and assessing and recommending enhancements to operational capabilities. The program manager will manage a diverse team located primarily in El Segundo, CA, and Laurel, MD. The PM will execute the program by developing relationships and interacting with sponsors, both programmatically and technically. This includes developing program plans, crafting contract proposals, writing and defining task assignment letters and contract progress reports. The PM will conduct periodic program reviews with the sponsor and the Mission Area Executive. Responsibilities encompass all aspects of program execution, including technical/performance, cost, schedule, risk, and security. The PM will ensure all program deliverables meet the quality standards of the Laboratory and direct the on-going effort of process improvement.
• Thought Leadership: As PM you will provide thought leadership leveraging JHU/APL engineering, architecture, design, development, modeling and simulation and similar expertise in support of sponsor needs, identify future directions the Government can take to address the evolving threat, define roles for APL to address those challenges, and assist the US Government in creating systems-of-systems solutions. In this area, the PM will be responsible for working with sponsors to identify new opportunities, develop proposals, and create new teams to execute impactful efforts.
• Team Leadership and Development: As PM you will lead, interface, and support highly competent and collaborative teams from across the APL enterprise to execute the work programs. You will work with Branch and Group Supervisors to recommend qualified candidates for project and technical leadership. You will lead, manage, coach, and mentor project managers, task and technical leads. As PM, you will coordinate program efforts through the project managers to ensure on time and within budget execution of program tasking.
• Technical Innovation: With the insights gained through the capabilities and integration of the program within the broader sponsor offices, as well as other initiatives, create technical ideas and innovations, either on IRAD or through direct work, which would improve our national defense in other aspects. Connect the approach and prioritizations of these technical innovations to the Mission Area strategy. Develop and maintain effective working relationships within the Space Exploration Sector and across the Laboratory in the areas of these technical innovations. Advise the Mission Area Executive and Program Area Manager in making portfolio management decisions. Contribute to the shaping, selection, and management of internal research and development (IRAD) activities in support of the program, program area and mission area.
• Other Responsibilities: As PM you will work with internal APL offices in the creation, staffing, funding, and development of any newly created programs. You will also  work with Government Sponsors within the Los Angeles, CA, area to provide programmatic, technical and analytical support.  As a PM, you must be able to work independently with minimal supervisor oversight and engagement and must be able to communicate and participate with senior management on a regular basis.  You will also support other APL Program Manager, Project Managers and Technical leaders in their execution of programs.

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

• A Bachelor’s degree in a science, technical or engineering field such as electrical, mechanical, physical, or equivalent

• At least 8 years technical or project leadership experience

• At least 5 years of experience in team leadership

• Experience in sponsor engagement and/or project management

• The ability to work in the El Segundo, CA, area

• An active Top Secret clearance with ability to obtain SCI 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 have...

• A Master’s degree in a science, technical or engineering field such as electrical, mechanical, physical, or equivalent

• At least 15 years of technical or project leadership experience

• Experience with software intensive systems, especially software test and integration

• Experience with satellite communications, especially ground segment design, development, and test

• Experience as a project or program manager leading national security space tasks

• Experience leading programs within the Department of Defense acquisition process

• Experience with Space Systems Command sponsors

• In-depth knowledge of Department of the Air Force (especially US Space Force) processes, procedures, contracting, and funding methods

• Experience working with JHU/APL staff, Group, and Branch leadership to arrive at mutually acceptable plans and achieve results

• Demonstrated ability to engage with sponsors, identify work, prepare winning proposals, and successfully execute tasks to make critical contributions

• Demonstrated ability to act as problem solving catalyst to encourage and deliver diversity of thought and innovative solutions

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.

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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.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.