Space Science and Instrumentation (SR) Branch Supervisor

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.

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…