Digital Design and Prototyping Section Supervisor

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Design and Prototyping Section Supervisor

Company: Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Location: Laurel, Maryland, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations Management / Technology Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-07T18:34:00

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a team of researchers, designers, and engineers in the application of Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies for complex national security challenges.

• Drive innovation and execution in early-stage digital product development, rapid prototyping, and user testing.

• Cultivate and expand the group's portfolio of internal and external prototyping partnerships.

• Mentor and develop staff, fostering individual growth and team potential.

• Strategize and implement resource planning, tools, and infrastructure to support section objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is not a traditional Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role. It is a leadership position within a technical R&D environment focused on digital design and prototyping. The "operations" aspect pertains to the management and optimization of the team, processes, and resources within the Digital Design and Prototyping Section, rather than business operations. The enhancement focuses on translating the provided description into a format that highlights leadership, technical execution, and operational management within a specialized R&D context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute significantly to the evolution and implementation of the A5E group's vision and strategy, including proposing new initiatives and coordinating efforts to address current and future challenges.

• Interface heavily with sponsors and management, both within and outside of APL, to identify opportunities, communicate group capabilities, and demonstrate team talent in digital product design and development.

• Evaluate and prioritize internal and external needs, identifying the best approaches and forming teams to complete identified tasks.

• Actively engage and partner with section staff to assess strengths, limitations, and career objectives, matching staff development with project opportunities through mentoring and coaching.

• Participate in the annual performance coaching process, guiding staff development opportunities.

• Assess the section's current and future work, defining necessary resources, tools, and infrastructure, which may include suggesting improvements to facilities, computing resources, tools, laboratories, and workspaces.

• Provide supervision and staff planning, delegating and assigning tasks, and ensuring the timeliness, accuracy, and quality of section deliverables.

• Assist Group and Assistant Group Supervisors in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding new personnel, identifying expansion needs and prioritizing skill requirements.

• Push the limits of current design cycles through the application and exploration of novel technologies, including immersive technologies and AI/LLM integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on technical leadership and people management. The emphasis on "sponsors," "national security challenges," and "novel technologies" indicates a high-impact, research-oriented environment. The operational aspects involve resource allocation, team performance, and strategic planning for the section's capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in early-stage digital product design, prototyping, and development, applying tools and methods to client/sponsor-facing projects.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience estimating, planning, and leading sophisticated front-end innovation projects involving functional digital product solution prototyping.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience translating ideas and concepts into draft functional requirements and proof-of-principle prototypes.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience collaborating with multiple development partners and organizations to develop and prototype integrated software and hardware systems.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience developing and mentoring staff.

• Minimum of 3 years of experience applying Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies to early-stage product development projects.

• Familiarity with leading collaboration frameworks and methodologies from industry (e.g., Google Sprint, LUMA).

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership skills and a proven track record of effective communication of discoveries and recommendations.

• Expertise in early-stage digital product design, prototyping, and development.

• Proficiency in Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies and industry collaboration frameworks (e.g., Google Sprint, LUMA).

• Experience leading technical teams through agile development processes.

• Ability to mentor and develop staff, fostering their growth and career objectives.

• Strong project planning, estimation, and execution capabilities.

• Experience in collaborating with diverse development partners and organizations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in federal government, federal government consulting, or equivalent environments.

• Experience leading teams to successfully prototype and demonstrate immersive technologies.

• Experience with prototyping intelligent systems components.

• Experience with augmenting workflows using AI/LLM strategically.

• Active Secret security clearance or higher.

• Ability to obtain a Top-Secret security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of deep technical expertise in design and prototyping, coupled with significant leadership and people management experience. The requirement for HCD methodologies and agile development points to a structured, user-focused approach within a fast-paced development environment. The security clearance requirement is critical for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of early-stage digital product development projects, demonstrating the entire lifecycle from concept to functional prototype.

• Include case studies detailing how Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies were applied, including user research, ideation, and testing phases.

• Present prototypes that illustrate the translation of ideas into functional requirements and proof-of-principle solutions, highlighting technical execution and innovation.

• Demonstrate experience in leading technical teams through agile development processes, with examples of sprint planning, execution, and delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for initiating and managing HCD projects, from sponsor engagement to prototype delivery.

• Structured approaches for rapid prototyping, including tool selection, iteration cycles, and user feedback integration.

• Methodologies for agile team leadership, including sprint management, task delegation, and quality assurance.

• Processes for staff development, including performance coaching, skill assessment, and career path alignment.

• Frameworks for evaluating and prioritizing project needs and allocating resources effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will serve as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to lead design and prototyping efforts. The emphasis on HCD, agile, and cross-functional collaboration indicates a need for well-documented, repeatable processes that can be scaled and applied to diverse national security challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $105,000 - $275,000 Annually

Benefits:

• Robust retirement plans.

• Generous paid time off.

• Comprehensive medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• Life insurance.

• Short-term disability coverage.

• Long-term disability coverage.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Significant education assistance program.

• Extensive training and development opportunities.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-time)

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, reflecting the significant experience and leadership responsibilities expected. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a large, reputable organization like Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and highlights investment in employee development and well-being. The note about "rolling basis" for applications suggests proactive recruitment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Research and Development / National Security / Aerospace & Defense

Company Size: Large (Implied by Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory's known scale and the nature of its work)

Founded: 1942 (Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory)

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Human Centered Design Group (A5E), specifically leading the A5E-4 Digital Design and Prototyping Section.

• This section is comprised of researchers, designers, and engineers.

• The Section Supervisor will work closely with the A5E Group and Assistant Group Supervisors, indicating a hierarchical leadership structure.

Methodology:

• Primarily focused on Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodologies for problem-solving and solution development.

• Application of agile development processes for iterative prototyping and product development.

• Emphasis on innovation, exploration of novel technologies, and driving concepts towards transition.

• Collaboration frameworks such as Google Sprint and LUMA are recognized.

Company Website: https://careers.jhuapl.edu

📝 Enhancement Note: APL's mission-driven culture, focused on critical national security challenges, shapes the work environment. The "Human Centered Design Group" suggests a culture that values user empathy and iterative development. The size and reputation of JHU APL imply a stable, well-resourced organization with opportunities for significant impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Technical Leadership

This role represents a significant step into leadership within a specialized technical domain. It requires managing a team of skilled professionals, driving strategic initiatives, and directly influencing the group's capabilities and portfolio. The scope extends beyond project execution to include staff development, resource planning, and external stakeholder engagement.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to the A5E Group and Assistant Group Supervisors.

• Manages a team within the A5E-4 Digital Design and Prototyping Section.

Operations Impact:

• Direct impact on the development of novel software solutions for complex national security challenges.

• Influence on the group's ability to secure and deliver on internal and external projects.

• Contribution to the advancement of Human-Centered Design and rapid prototyping capabilities within APL.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to higher leadership roles within the A5E Group or other technical departments at APL.

• Opportunities to lead larger, more complex programs and initiatives.

• Specialization in emerging technology areas such as immersive technologies, AI/LLM, or intelligent systems.

• Development of advanced skills in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and organizational leadership.

• Potential for cross-disciplinary project leadership and contributing to APL's broader strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a candidate in a technical leadership role, growth is often measured by increased scope of responsibility, team size, project complexity, and strategic influence. This role at APL offers a clear path for such advancement within a respected R&D institution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily on-site at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.

Office Location(s): Laurel, Maryland.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative work environment fostering innovation and cross-disciplinary interaction.

• Access to advanced tools, computing resources, laboratories, and workspaces necessary for digital design and prototyping.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with researchers, designers, engineers, and potentially end-users or sponsors.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility may be available, but the role is designated as on-site, implying a need for consistent presence and leadership within the physical workspace. The nature of R&D and sponsor engagement often requires dedication beyond standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, emphasizing the need for hands-on leadership, team collaboration, and direct interaction within the physical lab environment. This is typical for R&D roles where specialized equipment and close team synergy are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Resume and application review focusing on required qualifications, leadership experience, and HCD/prototyping background.

• Technical/Leadership Interview(s): In-depth discussions with hiring managers and potential peers/supervisors covering leadership philosophy, technical expertise in digital design and prototyping, HCD application, agile methodologies, and team management.

• Portfolio Review: Presentation of a curated portfolio showcasing relevant projects, design processes, prototypes, and team leadership examples. Expect detailed questions about your role, contributions, and decision-making.

• Behavioral/Situational Interviews: Assessment of problem-solving skills, conflict resolution, staff development approaches, and ability to handle sponsor relationships.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to assess strategic fit and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership in digital design, rapid prototyping, HCD application, and agile team management.

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate the design process, from problem definition and user research to prototyping and testing. Highlight your role in guiding these steps.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or qualitative outcomes to show the success of your projects and team's efforts. Focus on how your work addressed sponsor needs or national security challenges.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Use case studies to illustrate how you mentored staff, managed teams, resolved conflicts, and drove project execution.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the tools, technologies, and methodologies used in your projects in detail.

• Adaptability: Include examples that show your ability to adapt to new challenges, technologies (like AI/LLM), and collaboration frameworks.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to team management, project prioritization, sponsor engagement, and technical challenges in digital prototyping.

• Prepare to articulate your leadership philosophy and how you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration.

• Practice explaining complex technical concepts and project outcomes clearly and concisely.

• Research APL's mission and recent work in areas relevant to digital design and national security to demonstrate your understanding of their context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a leadership role like this will be rigorous, focusing heavily on practical experience, leadership capabilities, and the ability to articulate complex technical and managerial approaches. A well-prepared portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Design Software: Expertise in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Figma, Sketch, InVision.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with rapid prototyping tools like Axure RP, ProtoPie, Unity (for immersive tech), or custom development environments.

• Development Environments: Familiarity with front-end development frameworks and languages (e.g., JavaScript, React, Angular, Vue.js) for creating functional prototypes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for agile project management and team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Testing Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user testing and gathering feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Analytics Tools: Understanding of how to integrate basic analytics into prototypes or use them to inform design decisions.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to create clear reports and presentations on project status, findings, and prototype capabilities.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, understanding how prototypes might integrate with larger systems or how automation can enhance design workflows (e.g., AI/LLM for content generation or testing) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects a blend of design, development, and project management tools. The emphasis is on tools that support rapid iteration, user-centric design, and agile development, with a growing relevance for AI/LLM in design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Exploration: A drive to push technological boundaries and explore novel solutions for complex problems.

• Human-Centered Approach: Prioritizing user needs, empathy, and iterative feedback in the design and development process.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Strong emphasis on teamwork within the section and effective collaboration with external sponsors and development partners.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful prototypes and solutions that meet rigorous standards.

• Mentorship & Development: Valuing the growth and professional development of all team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between researchers, designers, and engineers within the section.

• Agile & Iterative: Working in short cycles, with continuous feedback loops and adaptability.

• Sponsor-Focused: Maintaining clear communication and alignment with sponsors to ensure project success and transition.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and lessons learned across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at APL, especially within a group focused on innovation and national security, will likely emphasize a strong sense of purpose, scientific rigor, and a collaborative, yet results-oriented, approach. The "Human Centered Design" aspect adds a layer of user empathy and iterative improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complex Needs: Effectively translating ambiguous or complex national security requirements into tangible, functional prototypes.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of multiple sponsors, internal management, and development partners.

• Rapid Iteration & Resource Management: Efficiently managing resources and timelines for rapid prototyping cycles while maintaining quality.

• Emerging Technology Integration: Staying abreast of and effectively integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI/LLM and immersive systems into prototypes.

• Staff Development & Retention: Continuously developing and retaining a high-performing team of specialized talent.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Technical Training: Access to training in advanced digital design, prototyping, AI/LLM applications, and immersive technologies.

• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities for formal leadership training and mentorship within APL.

• Industry Conferences & Seminars: Participation in relevant conferences to stay current with industry trends and network with peers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on diverse national security challenges that offer exposure to various domains and technical fields.

• Formal Education Assistance: Leveraging APL's education assistance program for further academic pursuits.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges but also offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, particularly for individuals looking to lead in cutting-edge R&D environments focused on impactful national security applications.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your leadership philosophy and how you motivate and develop technical teams."

• "How do you approach translating complex, abstract requirements into concrete digital prototypes?"

• "Walk me through a time you led a team through an agile development cycle for a prototype. What were the key challenges and successes?"

• "How do you integrate Human-Centered Design principles into a rapid prototyping workflow?"

• "Describe your experience collaborating with external sponsors or clients on R&D projects. How do you manage expectations and ensure alignment?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about APL's mission and the Human Centered Design Group specifically?"

• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within your team?"

• "Describe your experience working with individuals who have different technical backgrounds or working styles."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your team's approach (especially HCD and agile), your specific role and leadership contributions, the solution developed (prototype), and the outcomes or impact.

• Visuals are Key: Use mockups, screenshots, short video demos of prototypes, and diagrams to illustrate your work effectively.

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out instances where you guided the team, made critical decisions, mentored individuals, or managed stakeholder relationships.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, design decisions, and problem-solving strategies.

• Connect to APL's Mission: Frame your experience and portfolio examples in the context of national security challenges and APL's R&D focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen, strategic thinking, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of the R&D and national security context. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Design and Prototyping Section Supervisor position:

• Submit your application through the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory careers portal.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in leadership, Human-Centered Design, agile development, digital prototyping, and any experience with national security or government projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of projects that best showcase your leadership, technical skills, and process for digital design and prototyping. Be ready to present and discuss these in detail.

• Research APL: Familiarize yourself with APL's mission, values, and recent work, particularly within the Human Centered Design Group. Understand their approach to solving complex challenges.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioral and technical questions, focusing on articulating your leadership style, problem-solving approach, and experience with the required methodologies and technologies.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.