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Do you have a passion for space exploration?

Are you a results-oriented professional with experience leading Space development project teams?

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

We are seeking a Program Manager (PM) to lead small proposals, grants and cooperative agreements, internal/externally funded studies, and technology maturation projects within the Space Formulation Mission Area (SFMA) of the Space Exploration Sector at APL. The SFMA manages a diverse set of tasking for primarily NASA, but also other governmental entities such as NOAA, NSF, and the DoD (e.g., DARPA). SFMA is not seeking a PM to lead the management of large flight builds.

As a Program Manager for the SFMA, you will...

- Lead a space system development project team. You will manage project teams, in adherence to SES and Sponsor guidelines and requirements, while maintaining outstanding cost, schedule, and technical performance.

- Manage programmatic cost, schedule, and risk elements for assigned project(s). You will also generate and manage cost reports, monthly status reports, earned value management reports, purchase requests, subcontract procurements and other program proposals.

- Maintain customer focus, both external sponsor and internal management, and provide timely status of technical, fiscal, and programmatic information.

- Assist in proposal development of new missions and instruments via direct oversight/management of proposals which describe the design and development, fabrication, integration and test, deployment, and operations and management of these missions and instruments.

About APL's Civil Space Portfolio: Over the past 25 years, APL has designed, built, and operated major missions including NEAR (1996), TIMED (2001), MESSENGER (2004), STEREO (2006), New Horizons (2006), Van Allen Probes (2012), Parker Solar Probe (2018), Double Asteroid Redirection Test (2021) and others. APL has also developed a large suite of scientific instruments for these missions, and for other NASA programs through strategic partnerships. APL is currently developing the Europa Clipper mission that will investigate habitability on Jupiter's moon (joint w/ JPL), the IMAP mission that will map the heliosphere, and the Dragonfly mission that will fly on Saturn's moon Titan to investigate its prebiotic chemistry. For these future programs, APL is also leading the development of multiple science instruments.

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

- A BS degree in science or a technical field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, physics, or equivalent.

- A minimum of 7 years of experience in the aerospace industry including a proven track record in the development or management of aerospace systems and/or products.

- A minimum of 3 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary technical organizations and teams, and cultivating critical technical workforce capabilities.

- Demonstrated ability to successfully manage an aerospace project, including technical performance, schedule, cost, funding, scope of task, activity networking, critical system interfaces, requirements management, resource allocation, risk allocation and management, earned value management and staffing considerations.

- Experience managing projects within quality management

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

- The ability to obtain a Secret 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 will go above and beyond our minimum qualifications if you have...

- A graduate degree in technical management or MBA

- Experience as a project manager, program manager, or line manager

- In-depth knowledge of APL Space Exploration Sector resources, programs, and strategic goals

- Demonstrated knowledge of APL Space Exploration Sector program management practices and procedures

- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

About APL's Space program:

Over the past 25 years, the Space Exploration Sector at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, has pushed the boundaries of what is possible; delivering game-changing impacts to sponsors like NASA and the Department of Defense. This includes historic, science space firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first to "touch" the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. As a not-for-profit university affiliated research center, APL also delivered solutions to our nation's national security challenges, as proven with the recent Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) Tech Demo, and acts as a trusted partner with the US Space Force in space domain awareness and space-integrated warfare. APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System through programs such as Europa Clipper and Dragonfly, exploring the lunar and cislunar domains, and providing fundamental knowledge of our Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment through IMAP and other research and technology endeavors. We are also providing game changing solutions to the most difficult and important national security space challenges. To learn about these APL's mission and projects, visit

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

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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 . 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.