SR Assistant Branch Supervisor

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Space Exploration Sector seeks a talented SR Assistant Branch Supervisor to guide a ~250-person team of scientists, engineers, and staff. You will shape branch strategy, promote collaboration, and ensure effective operations in partnership with the Branch Supervisor and SES leadership.

Requirements include a PhD in space science, 5+ years as a scientific leader, and the ability to obtain an active TS/SCI clearance.

Qualifications

• PhD in space science-related discipline required.
• Five+ years as a scientific supervisor, program manager, or technical leader with a track record of strategic decision-making.
• Strong understanding of relationships between research, engineering, and mission execution.
• Proven ability to lead, plan, and manage in a changing environment.
• Proven track record of building teams and fostering collaboration.
• Eligibility for active TS/SCI clearance and U.S. citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and partner with SR Branch Supervisor to set priorities and execute branch objectives.
• Develop and communicate a branch strategy aligned with SES and APL values.
• Build and retain high-performing scientific, engineering, and administrative staff.
• Foster collaboration across disciplines to advance research and instrumentation.
• Collaborate with Mission Areas and external partners to deliver innovative solutions.
• Represent the SR branch to SES leadership, the Lab, sponsors, and external counterparts.
• Oversee workforce planning, facilities, budgets, and capital investments.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Program management

Team development

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

PhD in space science

Job description

Description

Are you an enthusiastic leader that is dedicated to leading and inspiring people?

Do you have a passion for developing and nurturing a scientific and engineering organization that is pushing the frontiers of space science, engineering, and exploration?

Are you interested in applying scientific and engineering capabilities to address complex civil and national security challenges?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our leadership team in the Space ExplorationSector (SES) at APL!

The Space Exploration Sector at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is seeking a talented, forward-thinking leader to serve as the Space Science and Instrumentation (SR) Assistant Branch Supervisor. Working in close partnership with the SR Branch Supervisor, you will help lead an organization of approximately 250 scientific, engineering, and administrative staff conducting cutting-edge scientific research, developing world-class instrumentation, and formulating and leading scientific analysis on critical civil and national security space missions.

Together with the Branch Supervisor and SR leadership team, you will build upon the SR Branch's long history of scientific excellence while helping to lead the organization through an evolving external environment. You will help shape and execute branch strategy, strengthen scientific and engineering capabilities, develop the workforce and future leaders, foster collaboration across APL and with external partners, and ensure effective branch operations. As Assistant Branch Supervisor, you will serve as a core member of the SR Branch leadership team and contribute broadly to SES Line and Sector leadership.

As the SR Assistant Branch Supervisor, you will...

• Partner closely with the SR Branch Supervisor to lead the Branch, establish strategic priorities, make organizational decisions, and ensure effective execution of branch and Sector objectives.
• Help develop, communicate, and execute a branch strategy that aligns with the SES strategy, APL's core values, and SR's legacy of scientific excellence, while also positioning the branch for future opportunities.
• Lead and develop a high-performing organization by attracting, mentoring, and retaining exceptional scientific, engineering, and administrative talent in an environment that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth.
• Enable collaboration across the branch's scientific and engineering disciplines to advance fundamental research, innovative instrumentation, and mission success.
• Collaborate with Mission Areas and the community to formulate and implement innovative science and engineering solutions to meet internal and external customer expectations.
• Collaborate with the SES leadership, SES Chief positions, Mission Area leadership, fellow Branch leadership, and other parts of the Lab to advance strategic initiatives and ensure effective execution of APL priorities as one team.
• Foster an open, transparent, and accessible leadership culture through communication, regular engagement with staff, and visible leadership across the branch.
• Create an environment that empowers all scientific and engineering staff to pursue innovative applications to space science and engineering, develop relationships and partnerships, and exercise technical leadership while providing appropriate strategic guidance and organizational support.
• Represent the SR branch across the Sector, the Laboratory, and with sponsors and external partners.
• Share responsibility with the Branch Supervisor for effective branch operations and stewardship of resources, including workforce planning, personnel, facilities, operating budgets, and capital investments, while advancing key scientific, technical, and workforce priorities.
• Act on behalf of the Branch Supervisor, as appropriate, and provide leadership continuity across the full range of Branch responsibilities.

Qualifications

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

• A PhD in a space science-related science discipline.
• Five or more years of experience as a scientific supervisor, program manager, and/or technical leader, with a demonstrated record of success developing and openly communicating organizational strategy, building consensus, and making timely decisions in complex environments.
• A strong understanding of the relationship between scientific research, engineering implementation, and mission formulation and execution.
• Strong organization and planning skills, with a record of accomplishment in a team environment.
• The ability to lead organizations through periods of strategic change while maintaining trust and transparency.
• A proven track record of building effective teams, developing staff, and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• The ability to obtain an active TS/SCI 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.

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

• An exceptional track record as a highly recognized and respected leader in the international space science and space engineering community, with the demonstrated ability to build relationships across institutional boundaries.
• Successful experience as a Principal Investigator, Project Scientist, or in an equivalent leadership role supporting significant scientific or spaceflight programs.
• Made critical contributions to both civil and national security space missions, with an understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with each.
• A current TS/SCI level security 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