Section Supervisor - Operational Analysis Section

Description

We are seeking a collaborative and analytically rigorous leader to serve as Section Supervisor for the Operational Analysis Section within the Strategic Analysis and Integration Group (JAI) of the National Security Analysis Department (NSAD). This role leads a multidisciplinary section focused on assessing mission risk and operational effectiveness through a holistic Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTMLPF) frame.

In alignment with this frame, the Operational Analysis Section examines how new capabilities, force structure, readiness, and investment choices perform under real-world constraints, identifying operational vulnerabilities-such as logistics and supply chain risk-and evaluating tradeoffs across missions and time horizons. They emphasize elements such as institutional capacity, future operating conditions, and sustainment realities that impact successful implementation of capabilities.

The Section Supervisor will oversee and develop analysts conducting these operational analyses, ensuring analytic rigor, integration across relevant teams, and alignment with sponsor needs.

As the Operational Analysis Section Supervisor, you will...

• Develop, lead, and retain a multidisciplinary team of analysts conducting operational analysis and mission risk assessments.
• Oversee and guide analyses conducted by the team.
• Serve as a technical contributor or project lead on selected efforts, leading by example in analytic rigor, integration, and communication.
• Integrate operational analysis with mission engineering, modeling and simulation, adversary analysis, and future concepts teams within NSAD.
• Ensure the timeliness and quality of the analysts' work-to include their analytic approach, their interactions with colleagues, sponsors, and project team members, and their written and presentation products.
• Mentor and coach section members; develop analytic judgment, integration skills, and future leaders within the section.
• Contribute to adoption of data-driven and AI-enabled analytic workflows where appropriate, balancing innovation with realism and sponsor trust.
• Assist higher-level managers and mission area partners with strategic planning, development of new analytic opportunities, and sponsor engagement.
• Support staff and task planning, interviewing and hiring, and conduct performance coaching throughout the year.

Qualifications

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

• Have a Master's degree (or higher) in a relevant field such as operations research, physical sciences, engineering, economics, social sciences, or a related discipline.
• Have experience conducting or leading national security analyses focused on operations, mission risk, force structure, readiness, or sustainment.
• Have experience integrating analysis with modeling and simulation efforts.
• Have demonstrated experience applying a DOTMLPF or equivalent framework to complex operational problems and new capabilities.
• Have project leadership experience for analytic efforts from formulation through execution, including determination of analytic approach, team building, sponsor engagement, and delivery of results.
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior sponsors and stakeholders.
• Have demonstrated ability to collaborate across organizations and analytic disciplines.
• Have demonstrated sound judgment in complex, ambiguous, and high-consequence analytic environments.
• Are willing and able to travel to the Pentagon on an occasional basis.
• 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 Ph.D. (or equivalent) in a relevant analytic or technical discipline.
• Have prior supervisory experience or demonstrated experience leading or mentoring multidisciplinary analytic teams.
• Have experience advancing data-driven or AI-enabled analytic approaches.
• Have experience leveraging data-driven or AI-enabled tools to enhance analytic insight while maintaining operational realism.
• Have an active TS/SCI clearance.

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 http://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 Accommodations@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

$105,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$275,000 Annually