Demo

Program Operations Manager

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 7/31/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/30/2026
Description

Do you have a keen interest in providing top notch operations support in a dynamic and rich R&D environment?

Do you thrive in a dynamic, high-energy, customer-focused environment? Do you like contributing to project and program management?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a Program Operations Manager to help us manage day-to-day internal and external obligations. As a member of our team, you will contribute to the overall success of the program and Mission Area. We are passionate about the work we do and strive to deliver high quality and timely products to our sponsors. We seek to foster a highly collaborative, fulfilling, and lively environment.

As a Program Operations Manager you will...

  • Program and Project Operations – Program and Project Operations – Work in conjunction with the Program Manager (PM) and Project Managers (PjMs) to ensure seamless program operations, set priorities, and resolve issues for the overall task management needs - from project initiation to project closure. Develops standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure project remains on-schedule, deadlines are met, and sponsor requirements are satisfied.
  • Program and Project Administration –Thorough understanding of or the ability to quickly learn about the project or product being developed. Prepare and organize information for internal and external program and project reviews, including content and editorial review of technical materials prepared by technical staff. Plan, organize, and facilitate meetings and conferences/seminars for both internal and external participants and sponsors. Interface with sponsors and their representatives to collect presentation information, ensure clearances are prepared, manage scheduling, reservations and all other logistics. Attend meetings, deduce requirements, and note action items.
  • Logistics and Collaboration – Work with other APL organizations (security, quality, communications, contracts, etc.) to organize various levels of support and ensure successful execution. Extrapolate contractual deliverables from the contract or task, to be part of the task plan and monitor progress of the program against those deliverables. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate
  • Proposal Development – Facilitate and manage the proposal development timeline in conjunction with the Financial Manager. Gather technical inputs and applicable technical review and recommend content to include in final submission. Responsible for the overall quality of the final submission.
  • Technical Support, Analysis, and Reporting – Develop an understanding of the technical work being performed by the program and be able to adequately convey the methodology, impact, and importance to others. Collaborate with PM on 30-day kickoff Review and impactful updates to the task plan. Assist in the development of the Statement of Work (SOW) and ensure adherence to the SOW through collaboration with the PM and technical teams.
  • Program Finances – Collaborate with the Financial Manager (FM) in monitoring the financial status of the program if required. Analyze and detect potential deviations in project plans based on the latest information available.

Qualifications

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

  • Have a Bachelor’s Degree in business, project management, finance, or a related field.
  • Have 3 years of relevant experience in the areas of project operations or project management with a demonstrated proficiency in tracking, monitoring and updating program schedules, achievements and/or contract deliverables.
  • Possess strong communication skills with demonstrated experience in effectively communicating with all levels of management and government officials.
  • Demonstrated capability to independently analyze, summarize and make recommendations on processes, procedures and project operations activities.
  • Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You Will Exceed Our Minimum Requirements If You...

  • Have 5 years of relevant experience in the areas of project operations or project management with a demonstrated proficiency in tracking, monitoring and updating program schedules, milestones and/or contract deliverables.
  • Are knowledgeable and experienced with APL systems and processes.

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

$62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate

$180,300 Annually

Salary : $62,900 - $180,300

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