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Deputy Program Manager, National Security Space

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, California, El Segundo
2310 East El Segundo Boulevard (Show on map)
Jun 23, 2025
Description

Are you an experienced leader who is passionate about developing and implementing new concepts and capabilities to support space kill chain integration at scale?

Are you skilled at building, mentoring, and leading dynamic teams in a geographically dispersed environment?

Are you collaborative and driven to problem-solve complex space issues?

Are you seeking to make an impact across the national security space enterprise by delivering groundbreaking technical expertise while striving to achieve a vision and strategy?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)!

As the Deputy Program Manager in the National Security Space Mission Area in the Space Exploration Sector (SES), in support of the Space Systems Integration Office Portfolio Program Manager, you will oversee and manage enterprise level requirements and the kill chain integration work based in El Segundo, California. You will work with APL and sponsor teams to ensure seamless execution of system-of-systems integration to enable space warfighting requirements. You will also oversee the execution of kill chain modeling, simulation, and exercises for kill chain closure.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with the PM and technical lead to manage, grow, and develop multi-disciplined engineering teams. They will maintain cost, schedule, and technical baselines for components of the specific task. Additionally, the deputy PM will engage with local sponsors daily to manage sponsor expectations; deliver, explain, and integrate APL analyses and recommendations; and help define future work. Thought leadership and the ability to address critical challenges with impactful analytic approaches will be key to success in this role.

At APL, we are passionate about the work we do, and we strive to deliver high-quality and timely products to our government sponsors. We aim to foster a highly collaborative, fulfilling, and fun work environment.

As a Deputy Program Manager, you will collaborate with the Program Manager to...

  • Establish a program execution plan for enterprise level requirements and the kill chain integration portfolio
  • Develop and sustain APL relationships with DoD sponsors and relevant stakeholders
  • Grow and nurture a portfolio of critical efforts that include deep technical analytical processes, impactful research and development projects, digital systems engineering, and prototype development activities consistent with the National Security Space Mission Area's vision and strategy
  • Provide and conduct thought leadership activities to ensure a complete understanding of sponsors' critical needs and current and future challenges; shape analytic work; and make technical contributions where appropriate
  • Drive the implementation of new business opportunities and strategic planning initiatives
  • Actively manage multiple projects; execute and manage project funding and task orders; and understand and manage proposal development in accordance with APL policies and government contracting regulations
  • Ensure that deliverables meet sponsor expectations, and project execution is within schedule and budget constraints
  • Directly interface and liaise with Government sponsor principal staff as well as JHU/APL management and staff
  • Have the ability to process information from multiple sources, while drafting and integrating briefings and presentations for the Program Managers
  • Effectively prioritize workload with competing tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
  • Have demonstrated capability of strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Qualifications

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

  • Have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or another technical field with at least seven years of relevant experience in leading technical development activities
  • Have previous experience with the challenges of system-of-systems integration
  • Have a deep understanding of DoD Acquisitions and Funding processes
  • Are able to cultivate impactful relationships and work collaboratively within and across organizational boundaries
  • Have a strong understanding of project and program management best practices
  • Possess good analytical, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills
  • Have the ability to work multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCIlevel 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 will go above and beyond the minimum requirements if you...

  • Have a Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering or another technical related field
  • Have at least 12 years of relevant experience in leading technical development activities including at least 5 years as a project or program manager
  • Have experience in developing and implementing warfighting kill webs
  • Have experience in national security space, especially space warfighting
  • Possess a strong understanding and knowledge of the United States Space Force and Department of Air Force acquisition processes
  • Have experience working in or with one or more US Space Force program office
  • Have had experience working on a highly classified program

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.


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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