Assistant Section Supervisor - Project Management

Description

Are you ready to help lead and support Project Management (PM) efforts for design and construction initiatives that enable national security, space exploration, and scientific discovery?

Do you thrive in a collaborative environment where operational excellence, mentorship, and disciplined execution drive mission impact?

If so, we'd love to have you join our team. APL is preparing for a new era of growth, with more than $3 billion in capital investments planned in new construction and facility modernization projects.

Reporting to the PM Section Supervisor, you will support the leadership, coordination, and performance of the Project Management Office responsible for planning, design, construction, and commissioning of capital projects ranging from $100,000 to $5 million and beyond.

This position plays a critical role in enabling consistent project delivery, strengthening PM processes, and ensuring alignment with Laboratory priorities by assisting with supervision of Project Managers, Construction Managers (CM), and support staff; supporting workload coordination, process implementation, and performance monitoring; and helping ensure consistent application of PM practices, reinforcement of APL standards, and support of both near-term execution and longer-term organizational objectives, while the Section Supervisor retains full accountability for section performance.

As an Assistant Section Supervisor - Project Management, you will...

Section Leadership & Operations

• Assist in supporting day-to-day management of PM and CM staff, including workload balancing and coordination across assigned portfolios
• Provide technical expertise in design and construction processes to support Project Managers in successful project execution
• Reinforce adherence to PM standards, Laboratory policies, and regulatory requirements
• Support tracking of section KPIs, portfolio performance metrics, and reporting to Group leadership
• Serve as acting Section Supervisor when delegated
• Recommend resource allocation adjustments and operational improvements to enhance section effectiveness

Project Oversight & Execution Support

• Provide project oversight and guidance to ensure cost, schedule, scope, and quality objectives are met
• Assist in reviewing project plans, budgets, schedules, and risk management strategies
• Support resolution of complex project issues and cross-organizational coordination challenges
• Promote consistent documentation, change management practices, and lessons learned capture across the portfolio
• Occasional non-standard work hours as required by project or mission needs

Strategic & Process Support

• Support section contributions to capital planning and workforce planning efforts
• Help implement and refine PM processes and best practices
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in project delivery methods and tools
• Assist with staffing actions including requisitions, interviews, onboarding, and workforce development planning
• Routinely operate APL vehicles and industrial equipment, use personal protective equipment, outside work during inclement weather conditions, and overtime may be required

Staff Development

• Provide mentoring and coaching to Project Managers and support staff
• Contribute performance input and developmental feedback in coordination with the Section Supervisor
• Encourage professional growth, technical excellence, collaboration, and teamwork within the section
• Support identification of training and certification opportunities aligned with organizational needs

Cross-Sectional Planning, Design, and Project Management Support

• Participate in a structured rotational assignment between FDC-001 (Planning & Design) and FDC-002 (Project Management) to develop a comprehensive understanding of both design execution and project management processes
• Apply knowledge gained through cross-training to enhance coordination, communication, and continuity between Planning & Design and Project Management activities

Planning & Design (FDC-001) Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership for assigned planning and design projects, ensuring alignment with program objectives and stakeholder requirements
• Lead and/or support in-house design development efforts, including design reviews and technical evaluations
• Ensure quality assurance, constructability, and adherence to applicable codes, standards, and guidelines
• Coordinate effectively with internal teams, external consultants, and project collaborators to support coordinated project delivery
• Contribute to the development and standardization of design practices, processes, and documentation to improve consistency and efficiency across the section

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Project or Construction Management, or related field. Work experience may be substituted for education requirement.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in design, construction, and project management, including experience leading or mentoring others
• Demonstrated understanding of building codes, regulatory requirements, and project delivery best practices
• Experience with budgeting, estimating, capital planning support, and schedule management
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with ability to influence across Sectors and Departments
• Demonstrated ability to assess situations, make sound recommendations, and support timely decision-making
• Experience with PM Web and Microsoft Project (or similar scheduling software)
• Requires valid state-of-residence driver's license in good standing
• Are able to obtain a Top 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'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer
• Experience working in large campus environments and/or secure facilities construction
• Experience in workforce planning and portfolio performance management
• PMI, CFM, CCM, or other relevant professional certification

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

$100,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$245,000 Annually