Program Operations Analyst, National Security Space

Do you enjoy working as part of a team while orchestrating business, program, and logistical solutions to enable some of the Nation's most interesting technology research?

Do you enjoy working on challenging projects in a dynamic work environment?

Do you have the ability to work on a broad range of tasks ranging from assisting with program management to financial analysis to processing expense reports in highly classified environments?

Do you possess strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and teaming skill sets?

If so, we’re looking for someone like you to join our team at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL)!

As the Program Operations Analyst in the National Security Space Mission Area in the Space Exploration Sector (SES), you will oversee and manage daily activities and operations for the mission area in Laurel, Maryland with reach back to Colorado Springs, Colorado. You will ensure seamless execution of tactical implementation, facilitate the success of existing tasks, support new business initiatives, complete data transfers on classified networks, and address mission area level requirements with operational and administrative coordination. You would be joining a dedicated team of program managers and other Program Operations Analysts who are tackling the biggest national security challenges we face today. We are passionate about the work we do and we strive to deliver high-quality and timely products to our Government sponsors. We aim to foster a highly collaborative, fulfilling, and fun work environment.

As a Program Operations Analyst you will…

• Program and Project Operations – Directly report to the Program Area Manager and work in conjunction with the Program Managers and Project Managers to 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 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 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 and deduce requirements and note action items.
• Logistics and Collaboration – Work with other APL organizations (i.e., security, finance, communications, contracts, IT, 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.
• Program Finances & Staffing Plans – 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.
• 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. In collaboration with the PMs, PjMs, and Chief Engineers, prepare and maintain technical status reports, briefings, schedules, and summaries.
• Security, Facility, and Data Management – Maintain a thorough understanding of security policies governing classified information handling, marking, storage, transmission, and facility operations. Maintain security-related documentation, repositories, and operational procedures. Coordinate facility maintenance, hardware upgrades, inventory management, and operational support activities for classified technical facilities. Collaborate on the procurement, tracking, and maintenance of technical equipment, including preparing and submitting requisitions for material purchases as needed. Serve as a Data Transfer Agent for classified networks and conduct data transfers as required to meet program needs.
• Travel & work arrangement – Travel in support of the Program Area Manager and Program Managers on an as-needed basis to support sponsor visits and logistics. The work arrangement will be fully on-site and in the office.

You meet the qualifications for the job if you…

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in a business administration, organizational leadership, technical, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Have five (5) years of work-related experience, or eight (8) years of direct relevant work-related experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Have a demonstrated proficiency in the analysis and evaluation of program / project milestones, schedules, contractual deliverables, and financial management
• Are a high-performer and self-starter with extensive knowledge of administrative processes and programmatic processes
• Have a strong sense of urgency, adaptability, resourcefulness, and flexibility
• Have the ability to work multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment
• Have a demonstrated track record of collaboration with multi-functional teams
• Have excellent organizational skills
• Are willing and able to work onsite in classified facilities.
• Are willing and able to travel occassionally to sponsor site/s.
• Have the ability to obtain a TS/SCI and special access program clearances. 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 will go above and beyond the minimum requirements if you…

• Have eight (10) years of direct relevant work-related experience, or a Master’s degree in a business administration, organizational leadership, technical, or related field coupled with five (8) years of work-related experience
• Have experience in the space or defense industry, particularly national security space
• Have experience and knowledge with JHU/APL tools and processes
• Have a strong organizational leadership background, and knowledge of United States Space Force and Department of Air Force organizational structures
• Have an in-depth understanding of financial analysis and financial management systems
• Have an understanding of security processes and procedures
• Have current or prior experience working special access programs
• Currently have a TS/SCI security clearance

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.