Operations Executive, Space Exploration Sector

Description

Do you thrive on leading high-performing, mission-driven teams?

Are you passionate about advancing excellence in program management, financial stewardship, production planning, and technical operations that enable groundbreaking space exploration?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL as the Operations Executive for the Space Exploration Sector.

In this key executive leadership role, you will serve as a member of the Space Exploration Sector (SES) Executive Leadership Team (ELT), helping to shape the Sector's strategic vision while ensuring operational excellence across a broad portfolio of civil and national security space programs. As a trusted advisor and direct report to the Sector Head, you will lead enterprise-wide execution of initiatives to improve operations, lead collaborations with APL procurement, legal, finance, security and facility organizations, develop partnering strategies with U.S industry, and enable the successful execution of some of the nation's most complex space flight missions. You will also represent SES across Laboratory governance forums, fostering collaboration and advancing institutional priorities while exemplifying APL's Leadership Attributes.

As the SES Operations Executive, you will...

• Lead and exercise sound executive judgment that balances institutional stewardship, financial responsibility, compliance, effective risk management, safety and mission success.
• Provide executive leadership and guidance to the SOF Group (Technical Facility Systems Administration, Logistics, and Security) and SOM Group (Finance and Administration), comprised of a talented team of more than 120 technical and administrative professionals who enable mission success. Disciplines include: Information technology, classified operations and compliance, facilities and logistics, project control, scheduling, earned value management, cost engineering, pricing, financial analysis, production planning, and reporting functions.
• Provide a robust IT, facility, business, and financial infrastructure that enables SES technical groups and programs to deliver world-class engineering solutions that maximize impact in space science and national security for the benefit of the nation.
• Cultivate enduring cross-organizational relationships and serve as a member of APL’s Operations Forum. Build trusted partnerships across the Laboratory and represent SES in enterprise governance to drive Laboratory-wide initiatives that improve operational effectiveness.
• Serve as the liaison between SES and APL’s Enterprise Departments for IT, security, space planning, construction projects, contracts, subcontracts, procurement, legal, accounting and finance, and auditing.
• Work with the SES Mission Area executives to develop and enable partnering strategies with U.S industry.
• Provide executive oversight of SES’s classified and unclassified Information Technology Infrastructure including SES’s IT core infrastructure, ground systems, Unix and Linux systems administration, software, and datacenters. Ensure a strong security posture and compliance across both classified and unclassified systems.
• Provide executive oversight and management of SES finances, including indirect rate management, capital investment planning, workforce forecasting, internal investment prioritization, and long-range financial planning to support the Sector’s mission execution.
• Champion data-driven decision making through modern business intelligence, performance metrics, predictive analytics, and innovative management tools that improve operational effectiveness across the Sector.
• Foster collaboration across the Laboratory, ensuring transparent communication and alignment between project teams, business operations, and SES leadership.

Qualifications

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

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., engineering, business, finance, or related discipline).

• Have at least fifteen years of progressively responsible leadership experience, including 5 years of significant leadership responsibility of large, multidisciplinary organizations.

• Demonstrate broad executive leadership experience spanning business operations, finance, information technology, facilities, security, and organizational strategy with a proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Have familiarity with NASA and DoD program management practices.
• Have a solid understanding of government contracting and applicable government regulations. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and government contracting principles.
• Demonstrate exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and lead through collaboration rather than authority.
• Possess strong collaboration skills and demonstrate sound judgment and discretion.
• Have a demonstrated ability to mentor, coach, develop staff, and cultivate positive relationships across the organization. Have a proven track record of developing operations leaders and building a high-performing workforce.
• Demonstrate unquestionable integrity and the ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and federal officials.
• Hold an active Secret clearance and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret 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...

• Hold a Master’s degree in business administration, engineering management, or a related field.
• Demonstrate a record of implementing innovative operational processes that improve performance, efficiency, and compliance.
• Have broad knowledge of APL operations and business practices, culture and operational environment.
• Have experience leading large-scale operational or enterprise initiatives.

Why you’ll love working with us

As the Operations Executive for the Space Exploration Sector, you'll help shape the future of one of APL's largest and most dynamic organizations. You'll work alongside nationally recognized leaders to enable groundbreaking missions in civil and national security space while leading an exceptional organization of business, operational, and technical professionals. This role offers the opportunity to influence Laboratory-wide strategy, lead transformational initiatives, develop the next generation of operational leaders, and leave a lasting impact on APL's mission and culture.

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 Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.

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

240000

Maximum Rate

360000