Program Area Manager - Future Capabilities

Are you ready to lead pioneering innovations that shape the future of national security space capabilities?

Do you have a passion for prototyping next-generation technologies and delivering disruptive mission solutions?

If so, we'd love for you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Program Area Manager (PAM), Future Capabilities, to provide strategic and technical leadership for a dynamic portfolio of programs focused on advanced research, rapid prototyping, space-cyber innovation, next-generation kill chains, and technology acceleration in support of future national space operations. You'll guide the strategic direction, mentor high-performing teams, and drive integration of emerging capabilities into impactful operational concepts.

As a Program Area Manager, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Define and execute a bold strategic vision for the Future Capabilities Program Area in collaboration with National Security Space (NSS) and Sector leadership.
• Shape internal innovation priorities and capability development aligned with key NSS mission vectors.
• Anticipate long-term needs in talent, funding, and infrastructure to scale future contributions.

Program Execution

• Provide oversight across a portfolio including S&T, prototyping, space-cyber operations, and advanced mission concept development.
• Ensure execution excellence across schedule, cost, performance, and technical rigor.
• Promote cross-program integration to unify innovation efforts across APL and the sponsor community.

Sponsor Engagement

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with sponsors such as Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency, Strategic Capabilities Office, Space Futures Command, and other key DoD/IC partners.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities aligned to mission gaps and forward-looking operational concepts.
• Serve as a technical and strategic advisor to shape sponsor decision-making and future investment.

Team Leadership and Line Management

• Supervise and mentor Program Managers, Assistant PAMs, project leads, and support staff within the Program Area.
• Foster a collaborative culture of innovation and professional development.
• Uphold APL's Leadership Attributes and organizational accountability standards.

Advance the NSS Mission Area's impact across its five strategic vectors:

• Decision Superiority - Deliver machine-enabled predictive capabilities, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics that give the U.S. strategic and tactical advantages.
• Multi-Domain Kill Webs - Enable integrated, cross-domain sensor-to-shooter architectures and accelerate the Find-Fix-Track-Target-Engage-Assess (F2T2EA) cycle for space-enabled operations.
• Combat-Ready Space Capabilities - Drive prototyping, T&E, and spaceflight demonstrations to strengthen space warfighting resilience and readiness.
• Threat Understanding & Anticipation - Apply engineering assessments and emulation to replicate adversary threats, enhancing the U.S.'s ability to anticipate and counter space-based challenges.
• Space Warfighting Brain Trust - Advance technical education and training within APL and support sponsor-side development through embedded engineering expertise and mission immersion.

Your leadership will directly contribute to APL's ability to deliver combat-ready solutions, influence sponsor direction, and shape the future of national security space operations.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have:

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, computer science, mathematics, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in developing, testing, or operating national security programs, including leadership of technical teams and successful sponsor engagement.
• Demonstrated experience in advanced prototyping, experimental operations, or the development of emerging technologies and systems.
• Exceptional communication, organizational leadership, and team-building skills
• A track record of leading high-performing, multidisciplinary, and matrixed teams
• Willingness to travel regularly to sponsor sites and other operational locations
• An active Top-Secret clearance and the ability to obtain 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 stand out if you also have:

• A Master's or PhD in a technical or management field
• Demonstrated experience in development of emerging technologies and systems for the DoD/IC related to National Security Space missions
• Leadership experience in cyber-space integration, contested space operations, or AI/ML for decision-making
• Prior experience as a Program Manager, Group Supervisor, or equivalent
• Supervisory experience within APL or in a similar high-tech, mission-driven organization

Join us in shaping the future of space defense.

At APL, you'll work at the forefront of mission-critical innovation with teams that thrive on tackling the toughest challenges in space and defense. If you're ready to make a lasting impact, we're ready to meet you.

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.