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US Air Force Strategic Command, Control, and Communications (AFSC3) Program Manager

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Laurel, MD Full Time
POSTED ON 5/4/2026 CLOSED ON 6/4/2026

What are the responsibilities and job description for the US Air Force Strategic Command, Control, and Communications (AFSC3) Program Manager position at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory?

Description

Do you love to apply innovative technologies to solve technical challenges involving the strategic defense of the U.S.?

Are you searching for important work in strengthening the US nuclear deterrent?

Are you passionate about developing resilient and robust strategic command, control, and communications concepts into effective solutions to defend our nation against global threats?

We are seeking a dynamic, creative, and self-motivated Program Manager for our US Air Force Nuclear Command, Control, and Communication (AFNC3) Program dynamic, who is self-motivated to lead and manage a robust program and a team of experts, who can impact all facets of current and future AFNC3 systems to ensure the US maintains its national strategic deterrence.

As a Program Manager For The Air Force NC3 Program, Within The Strategic Command, Control, And Communications (C3) Program Area Group (Q4P), You Will Provide Expertise In The Following Areas

  • Leadership and Program Oversight: Lead a dynamic and collaborative team of assistant Program Managers, project managers and technical experts in conducting studies, test & evaluation, analysis, and assessments in the air force nuclear command, control and communications (NC3) domain with the goal of influencing requirements, policy, acquisition, and technologies. Cultivate large-scale, long-term program opportunities while balancing innovation with essential deliverables for mission success. Provide strong technical and operational leadership for projects, and mentor assistant program managers and project managers. Work closely with financial managers to track financial expenditures and manage assigned Program Development Funds (PDF). Monitor cost, schedule, and technical performance against goals and task deliverables.
  • Cross-functional Team Building: Coordination with line management and other programs across the mission area to prioritize building and sustaining cross-functional teams of administrative, technical, and programmatic staff, optimizing resources for strategic outcomes. Facilitate contract management, staffing, and task assignments for optimal program efficiency. Develop and maintain a trusted relationship within JHU/APL’s NC3 community including other program managers, technical leaders, line management, and contracts personnel. Leverage key approaches and resilient engineering activities from across the Laboratory that could be applied to the AFNC3 problem space.
  • Strategic Vision Development: Define and implement an integrated vision for AFNC3 that incorporates mission engineering & assessments, counter threat/cyber, adaptive, robust, and resilient communications with alignment with and to advance the Q4P and COMA strategies. Drive both internal research initiatives and external program growth in line with evolving requirements, operational/mission needs and threat.
  • Sponsor and Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a primary account manager, building and sustaining trusted relationships with USAF and DOW representatives, including program managers, technical leads, and decision-makers. Lead interactions with sponsors for the development and execution of the program portfolio. Provide presence in sponsor spaces to build sponsor relationships and demonstrate APL commitment.
  • Business Development: In collaboration with your Mission Area team, pursue new opportunities aligned with COMA’s strategy and sponsor needs. Shape, tailor, and apply knowledge of the threat space to each task to ensure those working the task are threat-aware within clearance and NTK boundaries. Manage contracts, including frequent interactions with the COR at USAF, and working with PMs across APL who desire to have a Task Order placed on the IDIQ. Assist the APL PMs to shape SOWs and deliverables aligned with both their mission area’s and program management office’s strategies, FAR clauses, DD-254 requirements, data right declarations, and other activities to support program work. Form strategic relationships with other institutions, laboratories, and industry to understand the full range of capabilities available to sponsors. Identify, track, and manage strategic relationship opportunities for AOS/COMA senior leadership via sector business tools.

Qualifications

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

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree in an engineering, scientific, or another technical discipline.
  • Have at least five years of experience managing complex projects, with demonstrated success in fostering cross-functional collaboration and program growth.
  • Possess exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement skills with a focus on delivering results aligned with sponsor needs.
  • Have a willingness to travel to sponsor locations within the Washington Metro Area and various domestic test sites.
  • Hold an active TS SCI level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet the requirements for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

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

  • Hold a MS, Ph/D or DENG degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of NC3 systems, sponsors, operational concerns, threat environment.
  • Experience in DoW studies or assessments.
  • Knowledge of APL and AOS business systems – MINK, Addit, P3, AOS Personnel Mgmt. Tool, RRT, eAchieve.
  • Knowledge of, and access to, APL classified IT systems: SIPR, JWICS, EDEN, 1398R, 1474-NC3-T.
  • Active TS/SCI from DoW.
  • Demonstrate proven ability in business development and program expansion, with experience balancing new growth with ongoing task execution.

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

$140,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$335,000 Annually

Salary : $140,000 - $335,000

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