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Assistant Program Manager for Special Development

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, Maryland, Laurel
11100 Johns Hopkins Road (Show on map)
Jun 06, 2025
Description

Are you a leader with vision, drive, and enthusiasm? Can you effectively lead a high impact program that addresses critical challenges for the DoD Community by bridging Government needs and APL expertise?

Are you driven to impact DoD missions, with strong communication skills, a compelling vision, and a passion for developing capabilities?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join the Cyber Operations Mission Area (COMA), here at APL!

COMA is actively seeking an Assistant Program Manager (APM) for Special Development. You, as the APM, will assist the Special Development Program Manager, running a growing portfolio that supports critical missions for the DoD community. This is a dynamic mission set responsible for conceptualizing and developing capabilities to bring non-traditional non-kinetic effects options in support of military deterrence and defeat objectives.

You will work with technical staff and Government leads to help the Program Manager create and implement a strategic vision for addressing critical challenges in cyber. You will cultivate and sustain relationships with current and potential sponsors and external partners, and partner with Line and Program leaders to build technical excellence and creativity within the portfolio.

As the Assistant Program Manager for Special Development, you will:

Strategy:

  • Support the vision and strategy for Special Development. Identify emerging technical areas within the program, seeking domain expertise across APL and within the commercial and government community. Facilitate partnership between the sponsors, external partners and APL to seek new insights and derivative efforts to champion future program initiatives.

Program Leadership:

  • Provide mentorship to Thought Leaders, Project Managers and Technical Leads by providing leadership, establishing technical direction and assigning responsibilities to capable staff. Communicate capabilities, ideas, progress and key findings to sponsors and APL leadership and research area leads. Take ownership of achieving outstanding Sponsor project outcomes. Translate the sponsor's needs into targeted innovative solutions and a plan of execution. Develop and foster a trusted relationship with sponsor representatives (e.g., technical leaders, contracts personnel) and line leadership (group supervisors, section supervisors, etc). Work with sponsors to identify and support technological gaps critical to program success. Facilitate execution of projects to meet current operational needs while following foundational system engineering processes.

Thought Leadership:

  • Provide thought leadership in conceptualizing and pursuing new initiatives aligned with APL envisioned futures, especially those aligned to Decisive Intelligence and Non-Kinetic Effects, to support Cyber Operations and Intelligence Program Area and the Cyber Operations Mission Area (COMA). Develop and compose concepts that effectively communicate military cyber operations capabilities, concepts and research approach. Advise the Sector and Mission Area leadership on IRAD needs and priorities. Mentor staff toward innovative thought leadership to aid strategic efforts, proposal development, and high impact publications.

Quality:

  • Assist with the development and execution of proposals, task assignments, and related documentation to address sponsor needs and align with APL policies and processes. Prepare and review program deliverables to ensure they meet sponsor needs and portfolio standards. Conduct regular reviews to identify areas of risk and develop mitigation plans in coordination with Sponsor requirements. Ensure Enterprise requirements for quality and safety are met for all Program activities.

Qualifications

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

  • Have a Master's degree in cybersecurity or related field
  • 15 years of relevant professional experience in cyber operations, cyber defense of weapons systems, cyber security or cryptology
  • Are a demonstrated, strategic problem solver with ability to interact with all levels of staff and management
  • Strong skills in leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams, organization, and planning.
  • Ability to manage performance, cost, and schedule through the full life cycle of a project.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Hold an active TS/SCI security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI+Poly. 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.
  • Special Working Condition: Ability to sit at a Sponsor site (up to 50%).

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

  • Track record of different research leadership roles across technology readiness levels.
  • 20+ years of relevant professional experience in cyber operations, cyber defense of weapons systems or cyber security
  • Demonstrated track record of different research leadership roles across technology readiness levels.
  • Hold an active TS/SCI+Poly security clearance

About Us

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 of perspectives 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 athttp://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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 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 contactAccommodations@jhuapl.edu.

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.


Minimum Rate

$90,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$350,000 Annually
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