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Strike Weapons Assistant Program Area Manager

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
life insurance, paid time off
United States, Maryland, Laurel
11100 Johns Hopkins Road (Show on map)
Sep 12, 2025
Description

Are you passionate about developing the next generation of Strike Weapons?

Are you searching for an opportunity to contribute to the leadership of a multi-disciplinary development portfolio ranging from fundamental research to complex weapons systems acquisition?

Are you energized by strategic thinking, building sponsor relationships, and leading a motivated group of program leaders while helping to transition promising technologies into operational strike weapons programs?

Are you motivated to build and lead dynamic multi-disciplinary teams, solve problems, and make a tangible impact on national security?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join the Strike Weapons Program Area Leadership team in the Precision Strike Mission Area (PSMA) in the Force Projection Sector (FPS) at APL!

We are seeking an Assistant Program Area Manager (APAM) to establish national leadership in weapon system technologies development, weapon system acquisition, and related technology exploration. The Strike Weapons (SW) APAM will help lead a hardworking team of program managers and technical leaders who are responsible for innovative work in strike weapon system-related research and development efforts, operations analyses, system acquisition and test, and transition to operational demonstration and fielding. As the SW APAM, you will help lead the activities of the Precision Strike Mission Area (PSMA), brainstorm and create new capabilities, manage relationships with Precision Strike sponsors and partners, develop and implement the PSMA strategy, and advance the Mission Area's Strategic Vectors. You will work with line management to ensure that we apply technical talent and resources to achieve Force Projection Sector and cross-enterprise objectives; build and mentor multi-disciplinary teams to execute programs; and be a disruptive force for positive change, continuous improvement, and innovation.

As an Assistant Program Area Manager, you will...

  • Help to lead the development of the Program Area vision, strategy, and execution priorities; Work with Program Managers to shape APL's Strike Weapons portfolio, with an emphasis on increasing APL's impact across weapon system science and technology (S&T) efforts, demonstration, acquisition programs, test and evaluation, and operational performance.
  • Serve as the Assistant Group Supervisor of the SW Program Area Group; Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to the Strike Weapons Program Managers and program teams; Resolve staff issues and provide recommendations to the Program Area Manager, Mission Area Executive, and Sector leadership regarding staff member performance and compensation.
  • Offer thought leadership that translates risks, needs, and challenges into impactful, APL-wide solutions.
  • Establish deep, trusted relationships with strike weapon system sponsors and stakeholders; Continue to develop APL's technical leadership role/reputation in the Department of Defense (DoD) and US Government strike weapons communities.
  • Assist the Mission Area leadership team to develop and execute strategies that reflect the needs of the sponsor and stakeholder communities, the interests of the Mission Area and Sector, and the values of APL.
  • Perform oversight to ensure deliverables meet sponsor and APL expectations for performance, schedule, cost, and quality.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other APAMs, PAMs, Mission Area Executives, Branch/Group Supervisors, Chief Scientists/Engineers, technical leaders, business/contracts personnel and others throughout the Sector and across APL.
  • Perform duties in a manner consistent with FPS leadership principles (http://FPSLeadership).

Qualifications

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

  • Possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or another related technical discipline.
  • Have at least ten years of effective program management, project management, or technical leadership experience in the planning and execution of technically challenging efforts.
  • Have a demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary, dynamic teams to successful outcomes.
  • Have a background and understanding in relevant technical areas associated with the development and deployment of strike weapon system-related capabilities such as system-of-systems engineering; aerospace or mechanical engineering; Guidance, Navigation & Control; missile and propulsion systems; mission planning; and seeker development and integration.
  • Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and sponsors.
  • Are responsive, organized, thorough, and good at juggling competing priorities.
  • Have demonstrated high initiative, independent work style, and a mission driven mindset.
  • Have demonstrated a willingness to take strategic risks and the ability to be both flexible and resilient.
  • Have proven coaching, staff development, leadership development, and mentoring skills.
  • Have a demonstrated ability to think strategically, set a vision and strategy, and to execute a strategy.
  • Can take regular trips to the National Capitol Region, Southern Maryland, and Western Florida (Eglin AFB) for program meetings with additional occasional travel beyond the local area for various program needs.
  • Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level 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 an advanced technical and/or management degree (MS or PhD); supervisory experience at APL; direct experience working with advanced concepts, prototyping, and system design, development, and integration.
  • Have at least fifteen years of experience and deep understanding in the technical areas associated with the strike weapons domain.
  • Are a recognized expert across multiple domains including the analysis, design, and testing of high-speed strike weapons.
  • Have knowledge and experience with Planning, Programming and Budgeting, Acquisition Process/Life-cycle, Research and Development, Test and Evaluation systems of DoD Systems.
  • Have experience navigating APL's programmatic, fiscal, and technical environment.
  • Are experienced with Navy, Air Force, and Army integrated strike operations, war fighting concepts, and the intelligence community. Well-established relationships in the APL Precision Strike sponsor community. Excellent knowledge of policies, procedures, programs and technical proficiencies across the APL Enterprise.
  • Hold an active TS/SCI (+poly) 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 at http://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 contact Accommodations@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

$102,500 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually
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