Full Job Description
Are you looking to make an impact in national security and support the Department of Defense and the nation with groundbreaking analysis in support of policy & strategy, readiness & performance, and the design of the future force?
As an Assistant Program Manager, you will help to shape and lead analysis focused on policy and strategy with an emphasis on the Office of the Secretary of Defense but with relevance across all of the Services, the Joint Force, and Interagency. You will assist the OSD (R&E) program manager in leading multi-domain technology and tech-policy analyses and conducting portfolio/program management oversight of a wide range of studies focused on analysis of technologies, policies, strategy, and concepts to determine military utility and feasibility for a diverse set of sponsors. Engagement will be required across a wide range of DoD decision -makers affecting the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Service Headquarters and operators, and the Joint Force. Thought leadership and an ability to identify critical challenges and shape analytical questions based on sponsor problems will be key in this role. Developing teammates and contributing to a high-performing culture of excellence is essential to accomplishing our mission.
Duties:
Assist the program manager in developing and sustaining APL relationships with DoD sponsors. Grow a portfolio consistent with the Mission Area's vision and strategy through analytic studies and projects; provide and conduct thought leadership activities to ensure a complete understanding of sponsor's critical needs and challenges - both current and future-, shape analytic work, and make analytic contributions where appropriate and as a logical extension of JHU/APL's strengths.
Lead and contribute directly to analytic teams supporting analysis of policy and strategy (including technology and tech-policy), providing analytic leadership for selected project(s), and technical/analytical support for all projects; collaborate on technical issues with JHU/APL and other organizations engaged in this topic area. Leverage expertise to lead 1 to 2 study efforts per cycle.
Assist the OSD(R&E) program manager to fulfill responsibility for cost, schedule, and performance management for all projects. Request, plan, allocate, and manage sponsor funds for work secured; follow standard Laboratory program management policies and standards; coordinate thoroughly with line side leadership to ensure tasks assigned are well-defined and understood by technical staff; work with Department Business Office - including the Program Financial Management staff and the Operations Coordinator staff- to ensure accurate planning, accounting, and reporting; apply program management standard methodologies and best practices to ensure resources are managed appropriately and with acceptable risk; perform other program management responsibilities delineated within the JHU/ APL and NSAD Quality Standards.
Provide thought leadership in support of technology analyses for DoD and related communities across multiple domains. Lead and contribute to identification of critical technology and operational needs across DoD, the Services, and the Joint Force. Work collaboratively with program and line managers across the Lab to develop strategy and provide analytical leadership. Find opportunities for Laboratory critical contributions in areas beyond current portfolio and with new sponsor bases; coordinate across and support all APL sectors to bring these opportunities to maturity; provide engagement updates that contribute to fulfilling the National Security Analysis Mission Area and NSAD's APL wide strategic planning responsibilities.
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
Have a Master's degree in a technology relevant field such as engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, national security, economics, or operations research
Have 8 years of experience in operations, technical development, analysis, and/or systems engineering
Have 8 years of experience working with the DoD
Have understanding of general aspects of DoD/Joint enterprise processes affecting requirements/solution generation and program objective memorandum development/ assessment
Have understanding of general aspects of DoD policy, strategy, technology priorities, and the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (PPBE) process
Have demonstrated familiarity with a range of DoD-relevant advanced technology disciplines
Have ability to form strong trust-based relationships and excellent oral/written communication, interpersonal, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Are able to work and communicate effectively with all levels of staff
Are willing and able to travel as necessary to sponsor locations in the Washington, DC area, the United States, and overseas. Up to 20% of time may involve travel to CONUS and OCONUS locations. Primary work location is the JHU/APL facility in Laurel, MD
Hold an active Top Secret Clearance Sensitive Compartment Information (TS/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.
Our desired qualifications include...
PhD degree in a techology relevant field such as engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, chemistry, national security, economics, or operations research or 20 years of operations, technical development, analysis, or systems engineering experience
Recognized expertise across multiple domains, including joint warfighting and planning, service or joint requirement/solution generation, and service or joint programming processes
Relevant DoD experience, such as serving in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff or Service staff
Experience with DoD and private sector analytic and technology development processes
Demonstrated history of developing sponsor relationship and securing funding
Experience conducting policy and strategy, technology, and cost-benefit analysis
Demonstrated record of impact in development of studies and analyses
Record of outstanding oral presentations and published articles or essays
History of renowned leadership and management
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 www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
