Program Area Manager - Test, Training, and Operations (TTO)

Description

Are you driven to lead innovation in test and training solutions critical to national space warfighting readiness?

Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where your leadership accelerates the operationalization of space capabilities?

If so, we’d love for you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Program Area Manager, Test, Training, and Operations (TTO), to provide strategic and technical leadership for a dynamic portfolio of programs focused on accelerating testing, evaluation, training, and operational integration of space systems. You will serve as a strategic leader, technical partner, and team builder—working across APL and with national security sponsors including US Space Force, US Space Command, National Reconnaissance Office, and others.

As a Program Area Manager, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and evolve the TTO strategy in alignment with NSS mission goals and Laboratory priorities.
• Lead initiatives to accelerate test, evaluation, and training capabilities across operational environments.
• Define technical roadmaps, sponsor engagement strategies, and internal investment priorities.
• Forecast and plan for future needs in funding, talent, and infrastructure.

Program Execution

• Oversee execution of technically complex programs including system integration, hardware/software-in-the-loop testing, operational training, and mission rehearsals.
• Partner with Program and Project Managers to ensure successful delivery across cost, schedule, and performance.
• Align internal APL resources and facilities to enable high-impact technical execution.
• Drive robust planning around proposal development, facilities, security, and operational needs.

Sponsor Engagement

• Build and sustain trusted relationships with key national security stakeholders such as US Space Force/Space Training and Readiness Command, Space Development Agency, National Space Defense Center, and US Army/Space and Missile Defense Command.
• Understand sponsor priorities and funding environments to shape roadmaps and guide technical direction.
• Serve as a thought leader and operational partner to sponsors—driving innovation and experimentation.
• Lead internal IRAD planning to proactively address emerging mission needs.

Team Leadership and Talent Development

• Serve as Group Supervisor for TTO staff, including Program Managers, Assistant PAMs, Project Managers, and Operations Administrators.
• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and mission-driven purpose.
• Promote leadership development, coaching, and training for staff at all levels.

Advance the NSS Mission Area’s impact across its five strategic vectors:

• Decision Superiority – Deliver machine-enabled predictive capabilities, intelligent automation, and advanced analytics that give the U.S. strategic and tactical advantages.
• Multi-Domain Kill Webs – Enable integrated, cross-domain sensor-to-shooter architectures and accelerate the Find-Fix-Track-Target-Engage-Assess (F2T2EA) cycle for space-enabled operations.
• Combat-Ready Space Capabilities – Drive prototyping, T&E, and spaceflight demonstrations to strengthen space warfighting resilience and readiness.
• Threat Understanding & Anticipation – Apply engineering assessments and emulation to replicate adversary threats, enhancing the U.S.’s ability to anticipate and counter space-based challenges.
• Space Warfighting Brain Trust – Advance technical education and training within APL and support sponsor-side development through embedded engineering expertise and mission immersion.

Your leadership will directly contribute to APL’s ability to deliver combat-ready solutions, influence sponsor direction, and shape the future of national security space operations.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications if you have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in developing, testing, or operating national security programs, including leadership of technical teams and successful sponsor engagement.
• Proven leadership in test & evaluation, training, or operational integration programs
• A track record of leading high-performing, multidisciplinary, and matrixed teams
• Willingness to travel regularly to sponsor sites and other operational locations
• An active Top-Secret clearance and the ability to obtain 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 stand out if you also have:

• A Master’s or PhD in a technical or management field
• Past involvement with joint/interagency programs or offices in the current National Security Space ecosystem (e.g., Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, US Space Command, Missile Defense Agency)
• Prior experience as a Program Manager, Group Supervisor, or equivalent
• Expertise in National Security Space-related military training, test & evaluation infrastructure, or operations

Join us in shaping the future of space defense.

At APL, you’ll work at the forefront of mission-critical innovation with teams that thrive on tackling the toughest challenges in space and defense. If you're ready to make a lasting impact, we’re ready to meet you.

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 athttp://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 contactAccommodations@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