Truck Driver

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Truck Driver joins the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Transportation and Logistics team in a dual-role position supporting scientific research, space exploration, and national defense. The role transports specialized, high-value, delicate, and sometimes irreplaceable equipment—including spacecraft or satellite hardware and precision scientific instruments—while also operating campus shuttles and supporting other transportation needs between freight assignments. The driver operates commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers and straight trucks with gross vehicle weights up to 80,000 pounds, on interstate and intrastate assignments. The position also includes operating APL campus shuttle buses, handling freight safely, completing inspections and documentation, and supporting vehicle readiness. Work hours may vary, and periodic travel may include overnight or multi-day assignments. The position requires occasional overtime when needed and eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. The hourly pay range is $22.05 to $42.40. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English as required to perform the job safely.
At least two years of verifiable professional commercial driving experience, including demonstrated tractor-trailer operation.
Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with required endorsements for tractor-trailers and shuttle buses, including Passenger (P) and hazardous materials/tank vehicle (X) endorsements.
Driving record that meets APL Motor Vehicle Record standards.
Meet applicable DOT medical qualification and driver eligibility requirements and comply with required drug and alcohol testing.
Practical knowledge of cargo securement, vehicle inspections, safe backing and maneuvering, and transportation documentation.
Ability to safely perform essential loading, unloading, vehicle inspection, and material-handling duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Availability for campus shuttle duties and periodic interstate travel, including occasional overnight assignments, variable work hours, and overtime when needed, consistent with applicable regulations.
Ability to work independently and communicate professionally, with reliability, sound judgment, and strong customer service skills.
Ability to obtain required forklift authorization and meet applicable facility-access requirements.
U.S. citizenship and eligibility to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, consistent with applicable government requirements.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of recent, verifiable commercial driving experience including interstate tractor-trailer operations and passenger transportation, with a strong safety record.
Experience transporting sensitive, fragile, high-value, oversized, irreplaceable, or specialized scientific and technical equipment, with demonstrated attention to risk mitigation and cargo protection.
Experience with electronic logging devices, route planning tools, and electronic proof-of-delivery or shipment documentation.
Experience coordinating high-consequence, time-sensitive deliveries with logistics teams, technical personnel, or controlled-access receiving facilities.

Responsibilities

Operate commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers and straight trucks with gross vehicle weights up to 80,000 pounds, to transport equipment, materials, and other authorized freight on interstate and intrastate assignments.
Plan and execute safe trips by assessing routes, weather, traffic, parking, delivery access, and required rest periods; promptly communicate schedule changes and delivery issues.
Inspect vehicles before and after trips, report mechanical or safety concerns, and maintain accurate inspection, mileage, trip, and shipment records.
Load, position, protect, and secure freight; verify weight distribution, cargo restraints, shipment condition, and shipping documentation before departure.
Safely transport sensitive, high-value, delicate, and sometimes irreplaceable scientific or engineering equipment, following shipment-specific handling, packaging, cargo-securement, documentation, and chain-of-custody instructions.
Coordinate with authorized technical and logistics personnel and promptly escalate conditions that could jeopardize a shipment.
Comply with applicable FMCSA/DOT rules, including hours-of-service, electronic logging device requirements when applicable, safe driving practices, and drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Coordinate professionally with shipping personnel, receiving sites, customers, and transportation partners; resolve routine problems independently and escalate exceptions appropriately.
Operate APL campus shuttle buses when not assigned to over-the-road transportation, transporting staff and authorized passengers on assigned routes and supporting special transportation needs.
Provide courteous passenger service, follow established routes and schedules, and comply with applicable passenger-transportation safety requirements.
Operate material-handling equipment, including forklifts, after completing required training and authorization, and wear required personal protective equipment.
Work variable hours and travel for occasional overnight or multi-day over-the-road assignments as operational needs require; remain on-site to assist with field testing or coordinate return air travel when vehicles must remain at a destination, as applicable.
Manage an assigned corporate purchasing card responsibly, retain transaction receipts, maintain accurate expense records, and submit timely travel and expense reports in accordance with institutional policies.
Maintain vehicle cleanliness and readiness and support fueling and routine operator-level care.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Robust education assistance program
Unparalleled retirement contributions
Healthy work/life balance
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Flexible spending accounts
Training and development
Potential sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance, or discretionary payments for exceptional performance, subject to eligibility and applicable policies