Program Manager, National Security Space

Do you have a passion for space and a drive to make an impact in national defense?

Are you an experienced Program or Project Manager excited about space systems, cutting-edge technologies, and mission-driven innovation?

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

We're seeking a Program Manager (PM) to lead programs and sponsor engagement within the National Security Space (NSS) mission area. This role is ideal for candidates with deep experience across the NSS landscape, particularly in areas such as space domain awareness (SDA), electronic warfare (EW), multi-domain kill chains, rapid prototyping, advanced capabilities, decision superiority, and threat engineering.

Ideal candidates will have held positions within organizations like the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO), Advanced Kill Chains, Space-Cyber, SDA Tranches, Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO), NRO, DARPA, STARCOM, or similar defense and intelligence agencies.

As a Program Manager, you will:

Lead Program Execution

• Manage and grow a high-performing team executing innovative programs. Efforts include:

• Concept development for new systems
• Requirements definition and architectural analysis
• Operational concept development
• Risk assessments and mitigation strategies
• Oversight of verification and validation processes
• You will lead sponsor reviews and provide execution oversight across technical performance, cost, schedule, risk, and security.

Drive Thought Leadership

• Leverage APL's core strengths in systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and prototyping.
• Anticipate future mission needs and define APL's role in enabling space warfighting and mission assurance.

Foster Team Leadership and Development

• Collaborate across the APL enterprise, working with Branch and Group Supervisors to assign project leadership.
• Mentor project managers and technical leads to ensure successful, on-time, and on-budget delivery of program outcomes.

Promote Technical Innovation

• Identify and pursue cross-cutting innovations based on insight from sponsors and related efforts.
• Contribute to internal research and development (IRAD) and align priorities with mission area strategy to advance national space capabilities.

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 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 a relevant field
• 5+ years of team leadership experience in developing, testing, or operating national security space programs (e.g., US Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, Space Development Agency, US Air Force)) or other technical programs
• Experience in technical program development for the Intelligence Community (IC) or related national security sponsor
• Demonstrated success in sponsor engagement and project management
• Familiarity with mission areas such as SDA, kill chain architecture, or cyber-space integration
• 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 degree in a related field
• PM experience within DoD acquisition or rapid prototyping environments
• Past involvement with joint/interagency programs or offices in the current NSS org structure (e.g., Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, US Space Command, Missile Defense Agency)
• A track record of leading cross-cutting initiatives aligned with NSS strategic priorities
• A reputation for driving innovation and providing strategic thought leadership in national security space

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.