Sector Chief Engineer, Air and Missile Defense

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD seeks a strategic technical leader for the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS). You will guide major engineering initiatives, shape technology roadmaps, and ensure high standards of technical excellence across AMDS programs.

This senior role requires collaboration with senior sponsors, mentoring of technical staff, and travel to design reviews. A Top Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship are required as part of security requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field is required.
• 15+ years of experience in advanced technology development for DoD major weapons systems desired.
• Broad systems engineering skills with navy/joint air and missile defense RDTE experience.
• Experience influencing senior sponsors and leaders (O-6 level or above).

Responsibilities

• Define and lead initiatives advancing engineering tools, methodologies, and computing resources for AMDS strategic objectives.
• Sustain and mature AMDS technical capabilities and technology roadmaps.
• Develop proposals and demonstrations with external S&T partners to advance innovation.
• Oversee AMDS quality assurance practices aligned with laboratory requirements and participate in design reviews.
• Mentor AMDS staff and leaders to foster critical thinking and technical excellence.
• Strengthen communication among technical, line, and program leadership to support future AMDS needs.

Skills

Exceptional communication

Leadership experience

Interpersonal skills

Willingness to travel

Top Secret clearance

Education

Master's degree in Engineering or related field

Doctoral degree (desired)

Job description

Description

Provide strategic technical leadership for the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS), advancing the technologies, engineering methodologies, and technical capabilities required to deliver the next generation of air and missile defense solutions.

Provide strategic technical leadership for the Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS), advancing the technologies, engineering methodologies, and technical capabilities required to deliver the next generation of air and missile defense solutions. Lead and contribute to key Sector and Laboratory-wide technical initiatives, identify innovative solutions to emerging national security challenges, and help ensure AMDS products consistently meet the highest standards of technical excellence and quality.

Your Duties Will Include

• Partner with the AMDS Executive Leadership Team to define and lead initiatives that advance critical engineering tools, methodologies, laboratories, and computing resources needed to achieve strategic AMDS objectives and accelerate delivery of warfighting capabilities. Promote the effective implementation of mission engineering, rapid prototyping, and modeling and simulation practices, with emphasis on cross-organizational integration, consistency, and efficient use of facilities and computing resources.
• Lead efforts to sustain, expand, and mature world-class AMDS technical capabilities. Identify emerging technologies and technical trends that enable novel solutions to current and future challenges. Develop technology roadmaps, advocate for strategic technical investments, and collaborate with senior leaders to ensure successful execution.
• Leverage enterprise capabilities to identify and pursue collaborative partnerships with external Science & Technology (S&T) organizations. Develop forward-looking proposals, experiments, and demonstrations that advance innovation and strengthen sponsor relationships. Partner with program leaders to cultivate new sponsored activities aligned with AMDS strategic goals.
• Oversee AMDS quality assurance practices in alignment with Laboratory quality requirements. Ensure Sector processes for quality management and technical review are implemented consistently and with appropriate rigor for deliverable products. Participate in internal design and study reviews as appropriate.
• Lead efforts to leverage the expertise of the AMDS Chief Engineer and Chief Scientist cohorts, fostering collaboration and communication across the Sector. Identify and champion strategic initiatives that address enterprise technical challenges and support development of future AMDS technical leaders. Continually review and improve the Chief Engineer and Scientist structure in AMDS to ensure the roles are utilized effectively to support a rapidly changing external environment.
• Strengthen the national technical stature of AMDS staff in emerging defense technologies and system development. Promote engagement in key professional societies, participate on external technical committees, and support strategic recruiting and retention of highly qualified technical staff.
• Serve as a trusted resource to evaluate the technical merits of concepts and approaches proposed by staff. Encourage innovation through constructive feedback, thoughtful engagement, and support for continued technical exploration and refinement.
• Mentor AMDS staff and technical leaders at all levels. Foster critical thinking, innovation, and technical excellence, and guide staff in effectively presenting complex technical results to senior Government and military leadership.
• Partner with Branch Supervisors, Program Area Managers, and Chief Engineers and Scientists to strengthen communication among technical, line, and program leadership and to identify competencies and capabilities needed to support future Sector needs.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders across the Sector, the Laboratory, sponsor organizations, government agencies, industry partners, and the broader technical community.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or related field
• Minimum 15 years of experience in advanced technology development for Department of Defense major weapons systems
• Broad systems engineering skills and background with experience in navy and/or joint air and missile defense research, development, test, and operations
• Experience working on projects across a broad range of technologies with national level impact
• Exceptional communications skills including experience interacting and influencing senior government sponsors, industry partners and other stakeholders. Experience interacting with senior government and military leaders at the O-6 level or equivalent and above.
• Demonstrated experience in creation of ambitious technical visions and the strategy to realize that vision and to inspire highly technical staff to achieve that vision
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to establish and lead multi-disciplinary technical teams to develop integrated concepts and capabilities addressing complex challenges
• Are willing and able to travel domestically to attend periodic design reviews and associated meetings; and frequent local travel to Government sponsors.
• Hold an active Top Secret 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.

Desired Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a relevant technical field
• 25 years of experience in leading teams to develop advanced technology for major weapons systems
• Leadership experience equivalent to a program manager or group supervisor level
• Experience interacting at the government senior executive and military flag-officer/general-officer levels
• Current SCI level clearance

About Us

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 at https://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 contact [e-mail].

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.

Minimum Rate

$125,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$290,000 Annually