Job Description

Are you an organized person interested in the development and fielding of groundbreaking autonomous systems?

In the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Group, our dedicated multidisciplinary staff work side-by-side in the lab and in the field to develop and deploy ISR sensors, payloads and vehicles. These systems are engineered to accomplish critical missions for our diverse set of government sponsors. The people who work here embrace challenges, adapt to dynamic environments, and are continually looking to advance their technical and leadership skills. Our senior staff are passionate about mentoring and coaching junior staff to continue to strengthen our impactful teams. Are you interested in being a member of our group? Join us at APL, a national leader in scientific research and development, and an employer that prioritizes innovation, impact, and personal development!

We are seeking an Autonomous Systems Field Test Manager to facilitate testing of our tailored sensor systems in environments relevant to the austere conditions they will see during deployment. Our team is motivated by the belief that timely and actionable information is key to our nation’s preeminence. You will become part of a team who works together in a collaborative development environment to adapt and field new technologies.

As an Autonomous Systems Field Test Manager...

• Your primary responsibility will be designing, scheduling, coordinating, and executing field tests across a multitude of projects and technologies involving autonomous systems.
• You will collaborate with leaders, engineers, facility, and sponsor representatives to develop and execute test events meeting the needs of all parties.
• You will apply your experience with autonomous system operations for the development of test events (including decisions on aspects such as flight patterns, durations, repetitions, communications, and test artifacts) that are in alignment with test objectives.
• You will write test procedures and protocols to plan and document the test events in accordance with test objectives and artifacts.
• You will participate in test events as part of an interdisciplinary team in a variety of roles: lead, member, and coordinator.
• You will facilitate testing by independently identifying resources and managing logistics including shipments, security, authorizations, hazmat, etc. that are required to execute the test effectively.
• You will evaluate and analyze test results to draw conclusions, make recommendations and capture after actions and lessons learned.

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

• Have 5+ years of relevant experience in the military with experience with development, testing or operations of autonomous systems.
• Have strong organizational skills and experience as a coordinator or facilitator.
• Have strong writing and editing skills useful for development of plans, schedules, and summaries.
• Have demonstrated ability and willingness to multi-task across several projects and work independently.
• Can interact effectively with individuals of different experience levels and backgrounds.
• Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top-Secret level 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.
• Are willing and able to travel to test locations in the desert, mountains, and/or oceans for 10% of your time and can lift over 50 lbs.

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

• Have 10+ years or relevant experience in the military with experience with development, testing and operations of autonomous systems.
• Have experience with field logistics such as security, shipping, hazardous materials (lithium batteries), frequency authorization, etc.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance. 
• Are willing and able to travel to test locations in the desert, mountains, and/or oceans for 25% of your time and can lift over 50 lbs.

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 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.

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 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.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. 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 promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are 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. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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