Deputy Manager - Prototype Manufacturing

Company: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
Location: Alexandria
Posted on: October 30, 2025

Job Description:

Description Are you enthusiastic about contributing to Space Exploration and National Security missions? Are you a creative thinker who loves solving difficult engineering challenges? If so, we are seeking an Assistant Group Supervisor ( Deputy Manager - Prototype Manufacturing) to work closely with the Group Supervisor to provide leadership, vision and strategic mentorship to the Mechanical Fabrication Group, within the Research and Exploratory Development Department. The AGS will provide support to recruit, develop and lead all aspects of a highly skilled workforce, work closely with the other Group, Assistant Group and Section Supervisors of the Department to create and sustain a culture of technical excellence, cross-enterprise collaboration, and innovation, lead and contribute technically to sponsor and internally funded work performed in the Group. As an Assistant Group Supervisor ( Deputy Manager - Prototype Manufacturing) you will Your primary reponsibility will be to work with the Group Supervisor to help lead an organization that fabricates hardware used to explore other planets and interstellar space through various NASA missions, as well as building prototype hardware, in support of our nation's national security interests around the world. We are passionate about building hardware to further the missions of our nation. Our team is committed to high performance, high reliability and pushing the edges of technology. Perform as principal investigator, individual contributor and/or technical or project lead on mechanical fabrication-related projects including machining, sheet metal forming, welding, composites, and additive manufacturing. Working with the Group Supervisor, provide leadership for the Group to ensure effective execution of tasking within the Group while managing workload and coverage. Ensure staff are following best processes and practices including quality management while achieving timely completion of deliverables. Establish and promote a climate conducive to intellectual curiosity, creativity, innovation, collaboration, growth, productivity and respect for others. Supervise, lead and mentor staff. Recruit, develop, and retain a staff with superior technical capabilities. Define expectations, coach performance, conduct performance appraisals, and provide professional development. Coordinate training, develop and maintain critical staff skills, ensure assignment of work to staff is consistent with staff development and project needs. Identify and develop key talent for future leadership roles. Communicate often and effectively with staff, section supervisors and group supervisor. Implement laboratory, department and branch policies and procedures. Work closely with the Group and Section Supervisors to create and sustain a culture of technical excellence, cross-enterprise collaboration, and innovation. Assist with defining, negotiating, allocating, and tracking Group level overhead and capital funding, office space and lab space. Work closely with Group and Sector representatives to forecast and understand resource needs and ensure cost effectiveness of the Group’s work. Assist the Group Supervisor with developing and maintaining a vision and strategy consistent with the Group, Department and Mission Area strategies and objectives. Build and ensure effective working relationships across the Department, Laboratory, and with external sponsors. Qualifications You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you… Possess a B.S. Degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline or equivalent work experience. Have 10 years of experience in mechanical fabrication, composites fabrication, additive manufacturing, or related activities. Have 2 years of supervisory experience successfully leading, mentoring and developing a technical staff in solving complex problems Have demonstrated skills in leadership, organization, and planning along with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Have the ability to establish positive relationships and effectively interact with all levels of staff including support staff, engineering teams, customers, suppliers, and senior management. 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. You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you Have an M.S. or Ph.D. in a related scientific or engineering field. Have demonstrated mechanical fabrication subject matter expertise influencing critical programs Have completed education or a degree in technical management. Possess a Current Top Secret or TS /SCI clearance. LI-KW1 SMR 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 $102,500 Annually Maximum Rate $290,000 Annually

Keywords: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory , Alexandria , Deputy Manager - Prototype Manufacturing, Engineering , Alexandria, Virginia