Group Supervisor, A4J - Cyber Dominance Group - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

At the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), we solve critical challenges in air and missile defense, homeland protection, cyber security, force projection, and space science. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that conducts essential research, development, and systems engineering to address these national security challenges. We take pride in achieving practical, operationally sound solutions to complex problems, with a focus on innovation, affordability, and timeliness.

The Air and Missile Defense Sector (AMDS) creates innovative solutions to our Nation’s most difficult challenges posed by evolving aircraft, missile, surface and other asymmetric threats.

Within AMDS, the Non-Kinetic Warfare Branch (A4) is seeking a forward thinking, innovative technical visionary with exceptional leadership skills for their Cyber Dominance Group (A4J). The successful candidate should be a true leader that can build teams and champion new technology development initiatives as well as implement AMDS’ Revolutionizing Art of Defense vision. The Group Supervisor will be leading a group over 30 staff, which includes technically-oriented scientists and engineers focused on developing and integrating Cyber defense concepts and advanced technologies. He/She will be instrumental in hiring and mentoring highly skilled and diverse talent as we expect significant growth in these technical areas.

The ideal candidate is a proven leader and subject matter expert who offers technical contributions to projects and lead teams that employ advanced technology development to solve critical problems.

Duties: 

• Foster a culture of innovation. Maintain knowledge of the state-of-the-art in relevant technical fields, generate new ideas and identify potential new applications pertaining to relevant Group tasks and capabilities.
• Work closely with our Chief Engineer, Chief Scientist, Program Managers and other Groups to implement the Sector’s vision that includes coordination and collaboration to improve efficiency, effectiveness and transition to the warfighter. Continually align the Groups focus and tasking with the Sector’s vision. Communicate Group goals to staff and translate into their tasking.
• Develop and communicate the Group vision and strategy that will enable the Branch and Sector to achieve their respective visions. Interact with sponsors, contractors, and APL staff as appropriate to establish and maintain working relationships and facilitate communication among all parties. Ensure the effective planning and execution of all tasks within the Group. Review briefings, analyses and written communication of technical products that are delivered to sponsors and at symposia and technical forums. Work closely with the Program managers to strategically engage existing and new sponsors and pursue new opportunities.
• Hire and develop highly competent and diverse staff. Make staffing decisions to maintain existing competencies and to grow new competencies related to photonics, optical systems, electronic warfare, directed energy and other identified capability gaps. Work collaboratively across the Laboratory to foster multi-mission integration to achieve the Sector’s vision.
• Inspire and empower the staff to create a culture that embraces technical excellence, innovation, diversity of thought, and inclusion. Actively engage and partner with staff to assess and reinforce strengths and identify areas for their future growth. Establish a development plan to address those areas, identify opportunities for growth, and provide mentoring and coaching. Communicate often with staff regarding organizational vision and to understand their career objectives and seek to match staff development with project objectives. Coach and mentor the line managers and ensure continual development of new leaders.
• Create the vision necessary to ensure that the Group has the facilities and analytical tools to execute its mission and to train and develop the staff. Formulate resource requirements, including those for overhead and capital funding to support the technical efforts, and manage expenditures. Participate in strategic facility and space planning at the Branch level.
• Provide supervision and staff planning including monitoring technical work for quality and timeliness, balancing and prioritizing task loading, drafting personnel requisitions, interviewing candidates, and making hiring decisions. Engage with staff and recognize and reward staff accomplishments including management of salary actions, and writing reclassification letters and recognition awards. Serve as a member of the Branch’s leadership team and participate in strategic planning and execution. Foster and demonstrate collaboration across the Branch and Sector to maximize the impact of the organization. Implement Laboratory, Sector, and Branch policies and procedures.

Required qualifications: 

• Possess an MS degree in science or engineering. 
• Have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience.
• Prior management experience.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and technical depth and breadth.
• Proven effective mentoring skills and ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to diversity.
• Technical experience in at least one of the following areas: cyber engineering, vulnerability assessment, cyber resilience and exploitation concepts or other identified capability needs.
• Hold an active Top Secret clearance.Applicant selected 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:

• Detailed knowledge of the AMD Sector’s programs, sponsors, and current/future engineering challenges.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance.
• Doctorate degree in relevant technical field. 

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 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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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 Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.