Truck Driver

Description

Are you an experienced CDL Class A driver who takes pride in safely transporting cargo that cannot simply be replaced?

Do you bring exceptional judgment, attention to detail, and a commitment to protecting the equipment entrusted to you?

Join the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) Transportation and Logistics team in a distinctive dual-role position supporting scientific research, space exploration, and national defense. Our drivers transport specialized, high-value, and sometimes one-of-a-kind equipment, which may include spacecraft or satellite hardware and precision scientific instruments. These shipments may represent years of research and engineering; protecting them requires careful planning, sound judgment, and disciplined execution. Between freight assignments, drivers operate APL campus shuttles and support other transportation needs.

As a Truck Driver...

• Operate commercial vehicles, including tractor-trailers and straight trucks, with gross vehicle weights of up to 80,000 pounds to transport equipment, materials, and other authorized freight on interstate and intrastate assignments.
• Plan and execute safe trips; assess routes, weather, traffic, parking, delivery access, and required rest periods; communicate schedule changes and delivery issues promptly.
• Inspect vehicles before and after trips; identify and report mechanical or safety concerns; maintain accurate inspection, mileage, trip, and shipment records.
• Load, position, protect, and secure freight using appropriate equipment and methods; verify weight distribution, cargo restraints, shipment condition, and shipping documentation before departure.
• Safely transport sensitive, high-value, delicate, and sometimes irreplaceable scientific or engineering equipment. Follow shipment-specific handling, packaging, cargo securement, documentation, and chain-of-custody instructions; coordinate with authorized technical and logistics personnel and promptly escalate any condition that could jeopardize the shipment.
• Comply with applicable FMCSA/DOT rules, including hours-of-service, electronic logging device requirements when applicable, safe driving practices, and drug/alcohol testing requirements.
• Coordinate professionally with shipping personnel, receiving sites, customers, and transportation partners; resolve routine problems independently and escalate exceptions appropriately.
• Operate APL campus shuttle buses when not assigned to over-the-road transportation, safely transporting staff and authorized passengers along assigned routes and supporting special transportation needs. Provide courteous passenger service, follow established routes and schedules, and comply with applicable passenger-transportation safety requirements.
• Operate material-handling equipment, including forklifts, after completing required training and authorization; wear required personal protective equipment.
• Maintain flexibility to work variable hours and travel for occasional overnight or multi-day over-the-road (OTR) assignments based on operational needs. Responsibilities may include remaining on-site to assist with field testing or coordinating return air travel when vehicles must remain at a destination.
• Manage an assigned corporate purchasing card responsibly by retaining transaction receipts, maintaining accurate expense records, and submitting timely travel and expense reports in accordance with institutional policies.
• Maintain vehicle cleanliness and readiness; support fueling and routine operator-level care.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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

• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent and can read, write, and communicate effectively in English as required to perform the job safely.
• Have at least two years of verifiable professional commercial driving experience, including demonstrated tractor-trailer operation.
• Possess a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with all required endorsements for operating tractor-trailers and shuttle buses (including a Passenger [P] endorsement and a hazardous materials/tank vehicle [X] endorsement), and maintain a driving record that meets APL Motor Vehicle Record standards.
• Meet applicable DOT medical qualification and driver eligibility requirements and comply with required drug and alcohol testing.
• Can demonstrate practical knowledge of cargo securement, vehicle inspections, safe backing and maneuvering, and transportation documentation.
• Can safely perform essential loading, unloading, vehicle inspection, and material-handling duties, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Are available for a combination of campus shuttle duties and periodic interstate travel, including occasional overnight assignments, variable work hours, and overtime when needed, consistent with applicable regulations.
• Work independently, communicate professionally, and demonstrate reliability, sound judgment, and strong customer service skills.
• Can obtain required forklift authorization and meet applicable facility-access requirements.
• Are a U.S. citizen and eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, consistent with applicable government requirements.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have three or more years of recent, verifiable commercial driving experience that includes interstate tractor-trailer operations and passenger transportation, with a strong safety record.
• Have experience transporting sensitive, fragile, high-value, oversized, irreplaceable, or specialized scientific and technical equipment, with demonstrated attention to risk mitigation and cargo protection.
• Have experience with electronic logging devices, route planning tools, and electronic proof-of-delivery or shipment documentation.
• Have experience coordinating high-consequence, time-sensitive deliveries with logistics teams, technical personnel, or controlled-access receiving facilities.

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

$22.05 Hourly

Maximum Rate

$42.40 Hourly