Chief Scientist, Human-Centered Design Group

Description Are you passionate about leading teams of creative problem solvers, designers, and engineers to collectively solve complex technical challenges? Are you excited to drive the development of innovative technologies and user centered solutions to our nation’s greatest challenges? Would you like to prototype and transition exciting innovations to U.S. warfighters? If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL. We are seeking a creative, collaborative, and hardworking technical leader to guide the innovation and technology development activities of APL’s Human-Centered Design Group and assist group leadership with technical guidance, vision, and strategy. The chief scientist will play a major role in ensuring that the group is a leader in its core competencies, and expands strategically into emerging areas. You will also lead and coordinate talent and other resources and capabilities to promote innovation and magnify its impact within AMDS and across the APL enterprise. Responsibilities Be primarily responsible for leading and supporting new concept and technology development efforts for a variety of sponsors. Work with Group leadership to assess the technical merit of proposals and project approaches to ensure technical rigor and quality. Inspire and generate innovative solutions to sponsor problems. Work with Program managers to develop business that enables the group’s vision. Provide technical thought leadership for key projects. Participate in technical reviews at key program landmarks. See opportunities and promote publication of work, intellectual property disclosures, conferences and workshops, education and training opportunities, and collaborative initiatives. Champion Internal Research and Development (IRAD) efforts, including holding brainstorming sessions, vetting and refining ideas and proposals, and promoting collaboration opportunities. Fostering a culture of innovation. Maintaining knowledge of state-of-the‑art in relevant technical fields, generating ideas, and identifying new applications of tasks and capabilities. Working closely with group leadership on strategy and planning, and assisting in the successful transition of science and technology, internal R&D concepts, and prototypes to the warfighter. Collaborate with the AMDS Chief Scientist, the A5 Branch Chief Scientist, and other Group Chief Scientists as part of the Sector Chief Scientist Cohort. Qualifications You meet the minimum requirements if you have… Possess a Master’s degree in a human centered design relevant field including engineering, design, industrial design, anthropology, or equivalent. Have 5 or more years of professional work experience in the design, development, and delivery of technical products and solutions. Experience with developing task descriptions and competitive proposals. Experience interacting with and developing trusted relationships with sponsors. Effective mentoring skills. Have a track record of excellent judgment and discretion with 5 or more years of successful execution of complex technical efforts. Have demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills. Hold an active Final Secret clearance with the ability to ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level security 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. Willingness to travel up to 20% of the time as needed. You will go above and beyond if you have… Possess a PhD in a human centered design relevant field including engineering, design, industrial design, anthropology, or equivalent Have 7 or more years of professional work experience in front‑end innovation or human‑centered design practices. Have demonstrated success in leadership roles, such as a Lead Engineer, Program Manager, and/or Chief Engineer. Have advocated for an activity to drive a novel solution to an existing problem that was subsequently funded and implemented. Have demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills when collaborating with APL sponsors. Hold an active Top Secret or TS/SCI‑level security clearance. About Us 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 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. 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 $125,000 Annually Maximum Rate $370,000 Annually #J-18808-Ljbffr Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab