Mission Area Executive for Theater Defense

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a strategic and mission-driven Theater Defense Mission Area Executive within the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS).

As the Theater Defense Mission Area Executive, you will lead a high-impact portfolio of research and development (R&D) programs to advance mission to defend U.S. forces and allies from increasingly capable threats posed by peer adversaries, rogue nations, and non-state actors in forward theaters of operation across the globe. You will play a key role in realizing the Air and Missile Defense Sector's vision to revolutionize the art of defense by driving mission-focused innovation and operational excellence in realizing the APL Centennial Vision: delivering defining innovations that ensure our nation's preeminence in the 21st century.

As the Theater Defense Mission Area Executive, you will:

Define and Drive Strategy

• Partner with the AMDS Sector Head to shape, communicate, and implement a strategy for the mission area that aligns with APL and AMDS vision and strategies.
• Establish and cultivate trusted relationships with key senior government and military officials responsible for developing and operating defenses to protect U.S. forces and regional interests across the globe, serving as APL's principal interface and a strategic advisor.
• Identify and advocate for internal investments aligned with mission area strategy and ensure efficient and effective execution of allocated resources.
• Serve as a member of the APL Executive Leadership Team in executing APL organizational priorities across the enterprise.

Ensure Mission Delivery and Strategic Alignment

• Collaborate with the AMDS executive and senior leadership teams and other APL executives to align program execution with staffing plans and Laboratory infrastructure.
• Lead, recruit, develop, and inspire a highly effective program management team to execute sponsored tasking at the highest quality, ensuring delivery on time and within budget.
• In coordination with the Assistant Directors for Programs, collaborate with peer Mission Area Executives to address seams between mission areas using an enterprise perspective to ensure a best-of-APL solution in addressing critical challenges.
• Effectively collaborate with the AMDS Chief Engineer in recruiting, tasking, and coordinating program- and mission-aligned Chief Engineers in the technical execution of mission area tasking.
• Partner with the AMDS Chief Scientist to guide mission-aligned Independent Research and Development (IR&D) program that supports long-term innovation across APL, AMDS, and TDMA strategies.

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

• A BS degree or above in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, computer science or related discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant professional experience, including technical management experience at the Program Area Manager level, Branch Supervisor level, or their equivalent.
• Demonstrated leadership in R&D, preferably in air and missile defense development programs, earning a reputation of high regard from the air and missile defense community, including sponsors (e.g., U.S. Navy PEO IWS, Missile Defense Agency) and relevant military and government officials.
• Proven critical leadership competencies including: visionary with strategic perspective, inspirational leader, effective change management and conflict resolution, collaborative team player, and results-oriented.
• A demonstrated record of strong leadership success in a dynamic environment.
• Proven success in effective strategy development and sponsor engagement.
• Demonstrated success in bringing parties with competing priorities towards common purpose.
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of a University Affiliated Research Center.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Hold an active TS/SCI security 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 degree in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, computer science or mathematics, or a related discipline.
• APL program management experience, including APL cost estimation, proposal development, detailed task planning, risk assessment and quality management processes.

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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.