Program Manager - Experiments & Assessments

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) is seeking a mission-driven Program Manager to lead a growing portfolio of high-impact experiments and assessments supporting Department of Defense (DoD) priorities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. This role will shape and execute operationally relevant experimentation campaigns and prototype assessments that inform senior decision makers and accelerate the delivery of emerging capabilities to the warfighter.

As a leader in the National Security Analysis Mission Area (NSAMA), you will work at the intersection of operational analysis, mission engineering, and innovation-partnering with government sponsors, uniformed services, and technical experts to anticipate future challenges and deliver data-driven insights.

In the role of Program Manager - Experiments & Assessments, you will...

• Grow and manage sponsor relationships, especially across the OUSD(R&E) enterprise, DoD components, and Service stakeholders, to shape a dynamic and impactful program portfolio.
• Lead the planning and execution of joint experiments, prototype assessments, and operational analyses, with emphasis on real-world relevance and integration with military exercises.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams in delivering rigorous analysis and mission-focused outcomes, while ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
• Travel to support operational engagements, including field experimentation across the Indo-Pacific-such as in Guam, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.
• Drive internal innovation by identifying gaps and developing new expertise and analytic tools, leveraging APL's deep technical bench and analytic capabilities to address emerging defense needs.

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

• Hold a Master's degree, or equivalent experience, in Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Operations Research, Economics, Political/Social Science, or another related discipline.
• Have at least five years of relevant experience leading technical teams or managing programs in defense analysis, field experimentation, or systems engineering.
• Have relevant experience in or with the Department of Defense and Intelligence Communities, including familiarity with operational environments, technology integration, or field testing.
• Have a desire and ability to engage and interact with government sponsors to develop proposals for new work and to grow and strengthen existing efforts.
• Exhibit exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to build trust-based relationships and lead multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams.
• Are experienced in synthesizing complex findings into actionable recommendations for senior decision makers.
• Hold an active 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 experience engaging with sponsors across the national security community to develop and execute new and impactful analytic work.
• Have operational knowledge of joint military exercises, prototyping efforts, or theater-level assessments.
• Have experience with technology demonstrations, concept development, or test and evaluation of complex military systems.
• Have operational and/or headquarters experience with the military services, component or unified combatant commands.

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.