Senior Technical Advisor for Space Warfighting Implementation

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) seeks a Senior Technical Advisor to provide technical leadership, strategic coordination, and integration for the Space Warfighting Implementation Program Area. You will help move mission engineering, system-of-systems integration, and rigorous testing for USSF space programs forward.

Lead cross-functional teams, engage with government sponsors, and drive strategic initiatives while maintaining readiness for Top Secret/SCI and SAP

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
• 15+ years experience in DoW space operations and/or space acquisition.
• Ability to identify and develop solutions to address critical technical challenges and meet program milestones.
• Able to communicate technical topics to engineering staff, executives, and senior government leaders.
• Knowledge of the Space Combat Power sponsor organization, mission, and current programs.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to government, vendor, and APL sites (CONUS).
• Ability to obtain TS/SCI clearance and SAP clearances; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Operational Community Liaison: coordinate with engineering teams supporting USSF space programs; advise on requirements and CONOPs; identify risks and propose resolutions.
• Sponsor Engagement: align concept development and prototyping with operational mission needs across USSF Space Combat Power; engage program leadership.
• Strategic Integration: work with program leadership to implement strategic priorities across the space warfighting enterprise.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field

Masters or PhD degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field

Job description

Description

Are you an experienced leader with expertise in DoW space operational challenges and missions? Do you want to help ensure our nation's preeminence in the space domain via the accelerated development of critical systems for military application of space power?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team. We are seeking a Senior Technical Advisor to provide technical leadership, strategic coordination and integration for activities within the Space Warfighting Implementation Program Area at APL. Our programs under Space Warfighting Implementation are focused on providing mission engineering, system-of-systems integration, and rigorous testing and evaluation of critical systems under development for the USSF.

Duties

Operational Community Liaison (60%)

• Work and coordinate with engineering teams supporting multiple USSF Space Combat Power acquisition programs as a liaison to organizations such as USSF MD9, CFC, and USSPACECOM to help ensure that our engineering work is adequately linked to operational needs through appropriate requirements and CONOPs. Advise the APL engineering teams, program management, and government sponsor regarding operational environments and system development changes, ideas and/or recommendations for achieving program objectives. Lead and coordinate efforts to identify program risks and issues and recommend resolution approaches. Generate and deliver briefings, white papers, and other correspondence to document assessments, analyses, and recommendations. Interface across internal and external program stakeholders to ensure operational perspectives, needs, and processes are maintained in engineering development efforts.

Sponsor Engagement (30%)

• In partnership with the Space Warfighting Implementation Program Area Manager and Program Managers, engage across the USSF Space Combat Power organization to identify, communicate, and help develop solutions to critical challenges. Work with APL program leadership teams to ensure that our efforts in concept development and prototyping are aligned with operational mission needs to maximize impact for the warfighter.

Strategic Integration (10%)

• Collaborate with the Space Warfighting Implementation program leadership team to develop and implement strategic priorities that incorporate operational challenges across the space warfighting enterprise. Serve as a thought leader and champion for establishing and executing new initiatives.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
• Have at least 15 years experience in DoW space operations and/or space acquisition.
• Have demonstrated the ability to proactively identify and develop solutions to address critical technical challenges and meet program milestones.
• Are comfortable and effective in communicating technical topics at all levels - to include engineering staff, executive-level management, and senior government leaders.
• Have a working knowledge of the Space Combat Power sponsor organization, mission, and current programs.
• Are willing and able to travel to government, vendor, and APL sites as needed. Up to 25% travel is expected to government and contractor locations within CONUS.
• Hold the ability to obtain a Top Secret/SCI clearance and Special Access Program (SAP) clearances. 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.

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

• Have a Masters or PhD degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field.
• Hold an active TS/SCI clearance with at least one active Special Access Program 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.

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