Program Manager, Kill Chain Integration

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory • Laurel, MD

6d

About The Position

Are you an experienced leader who is passionate about developing and implementing new concepts and capabilities to support space-enabled warfighting battle management and enhancing space-enabled kill chains?
Are you skilled at building, mentoring, and leading dynamic teams in a geographically dispersed environment?
Are you collaborative and driven to problem-solve complex technical issues?
Are you passionate about overseeing and implementing cutting-edge AI/ML capabilities to support space-enabled battle management?
Are you seeking to make an impact across the national security space enterprise by delivering groundbreaking technical expertise while striving to achieve a vision and strategy?
If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)!
As the Program Manager in the National Security Space Mission Area in the Space Exploration Sector (SES), you will oversee and manage extensive modeling, simulation, and analysis efforts based in Laurel, Maryland in support of the Space Warfighting Implementation Program Area Manager. You will ensure seamless execution of kill chain closure with system-of-systems integration principles, while enabling space warfighting requirements.
The ideal candidate will establish a plan to capture these national security space efforts while working across the program team to guide program execution to deliver critical contributions to the United States government. You will manage, grow, and develop experienced project managers and multi-disciplined engineering teams. You will develop and execute a strategy to enable the Mission Area Strategic Vectors, and will identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration. External engagement will be required across a wide-range of Department of Defense (DoD) sponsors and industry organizations. Thought leadership and the ability to address critical challenges with impactful analytic approaches will be key in this role.
At APL, we are passionate about the work we do and we strive to deliver high-quality and timely products to our government sponsors. We aim to foster a highly collaborative, fulfilling, and fun work environment.
The Program Manager will 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.

Requirements

• Have a Bachelor's degree in engineering or another technical field with at least ten years of relevant experience in leading technical development activities
• Have previous experience with space command and control (C2) and kill chain integration
• Have a strong understanding of project and program management best practices
• Possess good analytical, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Are able to cultivate impactful relationships and work collaboratively within and across organizational boundaries
• Have a demonstrated proficiency in the analysis and evaluation of program / project milestones, schedules, contractual deliverables, and finance management
• Are a high-performer and self-starter, with strong communication skills (verbal and written)
• Have a strong sense of urgency, adaptability, resourcefulness, and flexibility
• Have the ability to work multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment
• Have excellent organizational skills
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and are able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

• Have a Master's degree or Ph.D. in engineering or another technical related field
• Have experience in the space industry, particularly national security space
• Possess experience with AI/ML techniques and implementation in programs
• Possess a passion for autonomous decision-making applications
• Have experience with N v 1 or N v M simulation environments
• Have a strong understanding and knowledge of the United States Space Force and Department of Air Force organizational structures

Responsibilities

• Establish a program execution plan for kill chain closure, system-of-systems engineering, and requirements development
• Develop and sustain APL relationships with DoD sponsors and relevant stakeholders
• Grow and nurture a portfolio of critical efforts that include deep analytical processes, impactful research and development projects, digital systems engineering, and prototype development activities consistent with the National Security Space Mission Area's vision and strategy
• Provide and conduct thought leadership activities to ensure a complete understanding of sponsors’ critical needs and current and future challenges; shape analytic work; and make technical contributions where appropriate
• Drive the implementation of new business opportunities and strategic planning initiatives
• Actively manage multiple projects; execute and manage project funding and task orders; and understand and manage proposal development in accordance with APL policies and government contracting regulations
• Ensure that deliverables meet sponsor expectations, and program execution is within schedule and budget constraints
• Directly interface and liaise with Government sponsor principal staff as well as APL management and staff
• Have the ability to process information from a variety of sources, while drafting and integrating briefings and presentations for the Program Area Manager
• Can effectively prioritize workload with competing tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Have demonstrated capability of strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills

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: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees