IT Operations and Project Manager – Classified Systems - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Description:

Do you thrive on leading complex IT programs in classified environments?

 

Are you passionate about driving innovation while ensuring operational excellence in secure systems?

 

Do you excel at balancing strategic oversight with hands-on execution?

 

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

 

We are seeking an IT Operations and Project Manager to oversee a portfolio of secure IT projects and operational activities supporting the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC). In this role, you will lead the development and execution of IT systems and services that meet high security and operational standards. As part of our team, you’ll collaborate across business units and sponsor organizations, driving solutions that advance national security objectives.

 

As an IT Operations and Project Manager you will be responsible for:

• Collaborate with departments/sectors to identify impactful projects aligned with mission goals.
• Plan and manage projects, ensuring successful delivery of scope, budget, and timelines.
• Serve as the main point of contact for customers and leadership, ensuring requirements are met and communicating project and operational updates.
• Balance the team’s workload between customer-facing projects and internal operational tasks (e.g., process improvements, maintenance activities).
• Oversee the non-project-related activities that are critical for smooth team operations (e.g., documentation, compliance, recurring tasks).
• Identify inefficiencies in current operations and implement process improvements.
• Ensure the team adheres to guiding principles, standards, and policies for operational excellence.
• Resolve competing priorities collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Request and prioritize resources (e.g., staff, budget, tools) from leadership to form multi-disciplinary teams for specific projects.
• Track and report status of projects and operational tasks against defined metrics or objectives.
• Apply lessons learned to improve processes and future outcomes.

Qualifications:

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

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Have 5–10 years of experience in IT operations or project management, with a focus on classified systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall.
• Possess solid understanding of DoD or IC accreditation frameworks (e.g., RMF, JSIG, NIST 800-53).
• Exhibit leadership in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams in a matrixed environment.
• Hold an active Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level 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 a Master’s degree in a related field.
• Bring 10+ years of experience leading programs in secure environments.
• Experience as an ISSM, SCA or other technical role in the Risk Management Framework process.
• Hold certifications such as PMP, CISSP, or ITIL.
• Demonstrate proficiency in implementing innovative tools and technologies for secure IT operations

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 http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

About Us:

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 of perspectives, 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.

 

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:$90,000 AnnuallyMaximum Rate:$350,000 Annually