Unmanned Maritime Systems Program Manager

Are you passionate about advancing autonomy and related unmanned maritime technology for the Navy's unmanned surface vessel and underwater vehicle fleets?

Do you want to help sponsors modernize acquisition and bridge the "valley of death" between research and acquisition?

Are you skilled at developing sponsor relationships, understanding their goals, and working with Assistant Program Managers and APL line managers to organize and guide teams to achieve those goals?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

The Maritime Expeditionary Warfare Program Area (MEW) is seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic, and dynamic individual like you to lead the Unmanned Maritime Systems (UMS) Program. We work closely with acquisition sponsors (e.g. PMS 406, PMS 420), DoD research sponsors (e.g. DARPA, ONR), and with the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to move autonomy, sensors, and payloads from research to acquisition to the fleet for both surface vessels and underwater vehicles.

As the UMS Program Manager, you will...

• Lead a strong team to help sponsors achieve their goals in delivering needed capabilities to the fleet.
• Develop and maintain a vision and strategy for the Unmanned Maritime Systems Program and align with the MEW Program Area strategy.
• Seek new ideas and derivative efforts to foster future program initiatives, along with developing, communicating and leading new initiatives.
• Translate sponsors' needs into targeted innovative solutions and execution plans.
• Develop and foster a trusted relationship with sponsor representatives (e.g. technical leaders, warfighters, and contracts personnel). Provide clear direction and management of program priorities.
• Conduct regular technical reviews, identify and mitigate areas of risk and ensure quality assurance of APL deliverables.
• Participate on projects to maintain technical acumen in the relevant domains.
• Establish and cultivate trusted relationships across the whole APL community (e.g. other program managers, technical leaders, group supervisors, and support staff). Mentor key project leaders for career growth in project and program management.
• Coordinate with line management to select, train, and mentor project and technical leads.

• Execute FPS Leadership Accountability Expectations consistent with APL's Leadership Attributes.

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

• A Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent level of experience, with at least 10 years of relevant experience with Navy sponsors.
• Prior effective experience in program or project management.
• A technical background in autonomous systems, sensing systems, communications, systems engineering, and/or test and evaluation.
• Demonstrated successful experience leading cross-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working with the DOD acquisition, warfare centers, and research communities.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with high-level DoD military and civilian leaders.
• The ability to travel to sponsors' offices in the DC metro area, as well as occasional trips within CONUS.
• 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...

• An advanced technical degree, preferably in engineering, science, math, or management.
• Knowledge of APL programmatic, fiscal, and technical environment.
• A TS or higher level clearance.

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.