Space Science Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

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 an enthusiastic leader with interest in applying scientific and engineering capabilities to civil and national security challenges?
If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our leadership team in the Space Exploration Sector (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) Branch Supervisor. In this role, you will lead an organization of ~250 scientific, engineering, and administrative staff, who are conducting cutting-edge scientific research, developing world-class instrumentation, formulating and leading scientific analysis on critical civil and national security space missions. You will build upon the SR Branch's long history of scientific excellence while leading the organization through an evolving external environment. By fostering innovation, strengthening collaboration within the Lab and externally with partners, and developing future leaders, you will position the branch for continued long-term success. As Branch Supervisor, you will lead, develop, and mentor branch staff, oversee branch operations, and serve as a core member of both the SES Line and Sector leadership teams.
As the SR Branch Supervisor, you will...

• 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 Supervisors, 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.
• Ensure the effective stewardship of branch resources, including personnel, facilities, operating budgets, and capital investments, while advancing key scientific and workforce development priorities.

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

• A MS in a space-related science, engineering, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience leading teams that seamlessly integrate scientists and engineers.
• Five or more years of experience as a group 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.
• 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.
• Ability to lead organizations through periods of strategic change while maintaining trust and transparency.
• Proven track record of building effective teams, developing staff, fostering collaboration, and creating an inclusive work environment.
• Are able 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...

• A PhD in a space science or space engineering field.
• 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.

Be Part of Something Innovative
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 War. This includes historic, space science firsts like New Horizons reaching Pluto, Parker Solar Probe being the first spacecraft to "touch" the sun, and the DART mission that redirected an asteroid for planetary defense. APL recently delivered the IMAP mission to study the solar wind and map the shape of our heliosphere, and is currently developing the Dragonfly mission to explore the prebiotic chemistry on Saturn's moon Titan.
APL teams are currently developing missions that will advance the search for life in the Solar System, explore the cislunar domain, and provide fundamental knowledge of our Sun's influence on the near-Earth environment, among other research and technology endeavors. We also provide game-changing solutions to many of the most difficult and important national security space challenges.
To learn about these APL's mission and projects, visit https://civspace.jhuapl.edu/ and https://www.jhuapl.edu/OurWork/NationalSecuritySpace.
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
$170,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$350,000 Annually