Assistant Section Supervisor - Project Management

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

7d

About The Position

Are you ready to help lead and support Project Management (PM) efforts for design and construction initiatives that enable national security, space exploration, and scientific discovery?
Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where operational excellence, mentorship, and disciplined execution drive mission impact?
If so, we’d love to have you join our team. APL is preparing for a new era of growth, with more than $3 billion in capital investments planned in new construction and facility modernization projects.
Reporting to the PM Section Supervisor, you will support the leadership, coordination, and performance of the Project Management Office responsible for planning, design, construction, and commissioning of capital projects ranging from $100,000 to $5 million and beyond.
This position plays a critical role in enabling consistent project delivery, strengthening PM processes, and ensuring alignment with Laboratory priorities by assisting with supervision of Project Managers, Construction Managers (CM), and support staff; supporting workload coordination, process implementation, and performance monitoring; and helping ensure consistent application of PM practices, reinforcement of APL standards, and support of both near-term execution and longer-term organizational objectives, while the Section Supervisor retains full accountability for section performance.
As an Assistant Section Supervisor - Project Management, you will...
Section Leadership & Operations
Assist in supporting day-to-day management of PM and CM staff, including workload balancing and coordination across assigned portfolios
Provide technical expertise in design and construction processes to support Project Managers in successful project execution
Reinforce adherence to PM standards, Laboratory policies, and regulatory requirements
Support tracking of section KPIs, portfolio performance metrics, and reporting to Group leadership
Serve as acting Section Supervisor when delegated
Recommend resource allocation adjustments and operational improvements to enhance section effectiveness
Project Oversight & Execution Support
Provide project oversight and guidance to ensure cost, schedule, scope, and quality objectives are met
Assist in reviewing project plans, budgets, schedules, and risk management strategies
Support resolution of complex project issues and cross-organizational coordination challenges
Promote consistent documentation, change management practices, and lessons learned capture across the portfolio
Occasional non-standard work hours as required by project or mission needs
Strategic & Process Support
Support section contributions to capital planning and workforce planning efforts
Help implement and refine PM processes and best practices
Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in project delivery methods and tools
Assist with staffing actions including requisitions, interviews, onboarding, and workforce development planning
Routinely operate APL vehicles and industrial equipment, use personal protective equipment, outside work during inclement weather conditions, and overtime may be required
Staff Development
Provide mentoring and coaching to Project Managers and support staff
Contribute performance input and developmental feedback in coordination with the Section Supervisor
Encourage professional growth, technical excellence, collaboration, and teamwork within the section
Support identification of training and certification opportunities aligned with organizational needs
Cross-Sectional Planning, Design, and Project Management Support
Participate in a structured rotational assignment between FDC-001 (Planning & Design) and FDC-002 (Project Management) to develop a comprehensive understanding of both design execution and project management processes
Apply knowledge gained through cross-training to enhance coordination, communication, and continuity between Planning & Design and Project Management activities
Planning & Design (FDC-001) Responsibilities:
Provide technical leadership for assigned planning and design projects, ensuring alignment with program objectives and stakeholder requirements
Lead and/or support in-house design development efforts, including design reviews and technical evaluations
Ensure quality assurance, constructability, and adherence to applicable codes, standards, and guidelines
Coordinate effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and project collaborators to support coordinated project delivery
Contribute to the development and standardization of design practices, processes, and documentation to improve consistency and efficiency across the section

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Project or Construction Management, or related field. Work experience may be substituted for education requirement.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in design, construction, and project management, including experience leading or mentoring others
• Demonstrated understanding of building codes, regulatory requirements, and project delivery best practices
• Experience with budgeting, estimating, capital planning support, and schedule management
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to influence across Sectors and Departments
• Demonstrated ability to assess situations, make sound recommendations, and support timely decision-making
• Experience with PM Web and Microsoft Project (or similar scheduling software)
• Requires valid state-of-residence driver’s license in good standing
• Are able to obtain a Top Secret level security 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.

Nice To Haves

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer
• Experience working in large campus environments and/or secure facilities construction
• Experience in workforce planning and portfolio performance management
• PMI, CFM, CCM, or other relevant professional certification

Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting day-to-day management of PM and CM staff, including workload balancing and coordination across assigned portfolios
• Provide technical expertise in design and construction processes to support Project Managers in successful project execution
• Reinforce adherence to PM standards, Laboratory policies, and regulatory requirements
• Support tracking of section KPIs, portfolio performance metrics, and reporting to Group leadership
• Serve as acting Section Supervisor when delegated
• Recommend resource allocation adjustments and operational improvements to enhance section effectiveness
• Provide project oversight and guidance to ensure cost, schedule, scope, and quality objectives are met
• Assist in reviewing project plans, budgets, schedules, and risk management strategies
• Support resolution of complex project issues and cross-organizational coordination challenges
• Promote consistent documentation, change management practices, and lessons learned capture across the portfolio
• Support section contributions to capital planning and workforce planning efforts
• Help implement and refine PM processes and best practices
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in project delivery methods and tools
• Assist with staffing actions including requisitions, interviews, onboarding, and workforce development planning
• Provide mentoring and coaching to Project Managers and support staff
• Contribute performance input and developmental feedback in coordination with the Section Supervisor
• Encourage professional growth, technical excellence, collaboration, and teamwork within the section
• Support identification of training and certification opportunities aligned with organizational needs
• Participate in a structured rotational assignment between FDC-001 (Planning & Design) and FDC-002 (Project Management) to develop a comprehensive understanding of both design execution and project management processes
• Apply knowledge gained through cross-training to enhance coordination, communication, and continuity between Planning & Design and Project Management activities
• Provide technical leadership for assigned planning and design projects, ensuring alignment with program objectives and stakeholder requirements
• Lead and/or support in-house design development efforts, including design reviews and technical evaluations
• Ensure quality assurance, constructability, and adherence to applicable codes, standards, and guidelines
• Coordinate effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and project collaborators to support coordinated project delivery
• Contribute to the development and standardization of design practices, processes, and documentation to improve consistency and efficiency across the section

Benefits

• 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.
• Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level