Job Description

Do you have a passion for software engineering? Do you have experience leading software teams through the full life cycle software development? Do you enjoy leading and inspiring people? Are you driven to continuously improve tools, processes, and technology to help a software development organization evolve?

Are you an enthusiastic leader dedicated to developing and nurturing a diverse technical organization that is passionate about engineering innovative ground systems for space missions? 

Do you get excited for the challenge of setting a vision for a dynamic group of software engineers that will elevate the group to the next level?

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

Be Part of Something Innovative

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at APL, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to “touch” the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation’s national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare.

APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun’s influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors.  To learn about these APL’s mission and projects, https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.

We are seeking an energetic, forward-thinking leader, problem-solver, and communicator to lead the Ground Applications Group (SIG).

As the Group Supervisor of the Ground Applications Group (SIG), you will be responsible for...

• Providing forward-thinking leadership in formulating new capabilities and building on existing ones to ensure that the group continues to provide pioneering ground system solutions to sponsor needs. 
• Assuring quality execution of technical tasks within the group; maintaining a technical quality bar within the group.
• Actively recruiting new talent and retaining current staff in a highly competitive environment.
• Developing resource plans and working with Program Managers to ensure the group has interesting and challenging work and that Mission Areas are properly supported.
• Collaborating with the Branch Supervisor in the development and execution of a group vision consistent with SES and CS/NSS mission area strategic plans and required capabilities. 
• Developing and maintaining a professional work environment that emphasizes the value of diversity and inclusion, stimulates professional growth, and fosters innovation. 

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

• A BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or related technical field.
• 7+ years of demonstrated ability and experience in leading software engineering teams addressing critical schedules and deliveries to produce operational systems.
• Demonstrated capabilities in leading technical projects applying the full software development life cycle. Experience with a formal software development process.
• 3+ years of proven experience in line, program or technical management with a record of accomplishment of excellent judgment and discretion in the leadership of technical staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organization and planning skills with a record of accomplishment in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop staff, and to cultivate strong relationships across organizational boundaries.
• A willingness and ability to travel
• the ability to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date 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.

• Can demonstrate that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, APL has established a policy requiring that all staff be vaccinated against COVID-19. All staff members must provide proof of full vaccination or have an approved medical or religious accommodation by their start date. 

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• An MS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or related technical field.

• 10+ years of demonstrated ability and experience in leading software engineering teams addressing critical schedules and deliveries.

• Familiarity with ground system development for NASA and/or DoD projects.

• Working knowledge of DoD and/or NASA acquisition and software engineering processes.

• Proven record of accomplishment in building a technically strong and diverse workforce and in developing future leaders.

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 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.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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