Mission Area Executive for Civil Space Flight

Are you ready to lead the space flight missions that are redefining space science and technology?

Can you execute a robust portfolio of Civil Space Flight missions, within stringent cost and schedule constraints, while building trusted relationships with NASA, international partners, and an expanding U.S. commercial space flight industry?

If so, we're looking for someone like you!

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as Mission Area Executive (MAE) for the Civil Space Flight Mission Area (CSFMA) within the Space Exploration Sector (SES).

The Civil Space Flight Mission Area delivers critical space flight instrument and mission capabilities to NASA, NOAA, international partners, and other U.S. government agencies. CSFMA is responsible for all APL civil space flight programs in development and operations, and serves as APL's primary program execution interface to its civil space sponsors. Our teams design, fabricate, and operate first-of-a-kind, one-of-a-kind space systems, payloads, and technologies within demanding cost and schedule constraints.

As the Civil Space Flight Mission Area Executive, you will provide executive leadership for one of APL's most strategically important mission areas. You will execute the CSFMA portfolio of programs in alignment with the Space Exploration Sector's strategic vision, ensuring the successful delivery of a robust portfolio of highly-visible, technically complex, and often high-risk space flight missions.

You will cultivate enduring partnerships with government and industry stakeholders, lead a large multidisciplinary organization, and guide the Mission Area through an evolving space ecosystem that increasingly integrates commercial capabilities and innovative mission models.

As the CFMA Mission Area Executive, your responsibilities will include:

Mission Success and Strategic Execution

• Provide executive oversight of all Civil Space Flight programs in development and operations to ensure technical excellence, mission assurance, cost, and schedule performance.
• Prioritize and align Mission Area execution efforts, proactively removing internal and external roadblocks and strengthening execution efficiency across programs.
• Provide leadership and guidance for a set of agile missions in development and operations.
• Ensure effective integration of execution planning in the Space Exploration Sector's formulation efforts in coordination with the Space Formulation Mission Area.
• Develop and execute the Civil Space Flight Mission Area Vision, Strategy, and Execution (VSE) in alignment with the Space Exploration Sector strategy.
• Lead adaptation of Mission Area processes, procedures, and culture to respond to changing sponsor needs, evolving mission profiles, and the growing role of the commercial space industry.
• Envision and invest in future in-house capabilities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of program execution through an internal research and development program.
• Champion continuous improvement in earned-value management and other business practices, execution models, and organizational collaboration.

Sponsor, Partner, and External Engagement

• Serve as the primary program execution interface to senior government sponsors and key stakeholders for civil space flight programs.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers, international partners, commercial providers, and the U.S. space industry.
• Represent APL and CSFMA in strategic forums and engagements within APL and across the civil and commercial space communities.

People, Leadership, and Organization

• Build, lead, and sustain a high-performing leadership team within the Mission Area.
• Ensure development of a strong pipeline of future leaders capable of managing programs across a wide range of size, complexity, and risk.
• Oversee hiring, mentoring, performance management, and professional development activities, including strengthening program management capabilities across the Mission Area.
• Foster a culture where mission success comes first and people matter.

Enterprise Leadership and Resource Stewardship

• As a member of the Space Exploration Sector Leadership Team and APL Executive Leadership Team, contribute to APL and Sector strategic planning and execution.
• Collaborate with the SES Managing Executive and Operations Executive to ensure adequate staffing, capabilities, facilities, and capital resources.
• Appropriately manage indirect funds allocated to the Mission Area.
• Work with peer Mission Area Executives to address seams across mission areas using an enterprise perspective to deliver best-of-APL solutions.

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have:

• A MS degree or higher in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, or a related technical discipline.
• At least 15 years of relevant professional experience in aerospace or space flight systems development, including at least 5 years of significant leadership responsibility (equivalent to Program Manager, Program Area Manager, or Branch Supervisor) in the execution of space flight missions.
• Demonstrated success achieving technical, quality, cost, and schedule performance on complex spaceflight or equivalent programs.
• An outstanding record of leading multidisciplinary technical organizations and teams.
• Proven executive leadership competencies, including change management, risk management, prioritization, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success partnering with NASA Headquarters, NASA Centers, NOAA, or equivalent civil space sponsors.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate effectively within a University Affiliated Research Center environment.
• An active Secret clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret/SCI 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 will go above and beyond if you have:

• Direct experience overseeing or executing space science missions at or in partnership with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, or equivalent organizations.
• Experience integrating commercial space capabilities into government-sponsored missions.
• Prior executive responsibility for large portfolios spanning space flight development and operations.
• An active Top Secret or TS/SCI 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 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.