Acquisitions Specialist - Production Planning

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking an Acquisitions Specialist - Production Planning to support a mission-critical Department of Defense (DoD) program. The Acquisitions Specialist will provide strategic acquisition planning, program execution support, and financial oversight for advanced defense systems in a rapid prototyping environment. This position will be onsite in El Segundo, CA!

Responsibilities of the Acquisitions Specialist include:

• Advise Program and Project Managers on acquisition strategies, schedules, contracting, budgeting, and execution.
• Develop acquisition plans, schedules, and executive-level briefings in alignment with DoDI 5000.02 and DoD/AF policies.
• Coordinate and lead staff meetings and technical interchange meetings.
• Draft and manage program planning and execution documents tailored to rapid prototyping efforts.
• Assess contractor milestone reviews to evaluate technical progress, risks, and mission alignment.
• Support program element coordination, funding documentation, and monthly financial reporting.
• Provide guidance on funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures.

Qualifications for the Acquisitions Specialist include:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management or a related discipline.
• 14+ years of experience in DoD weapon systems acquisition, program management, or contracts management.
• Deep understanding of:
  • DoD Major Capability Acquisition System
  • Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)
  • Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Willingness to be nominated for SCI and SAP access and to undergo a polygraph.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Business, Technical Management, or Engineering.
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP).
• Experience in National Security Space or Space Control mission areas.

Compensation for the Acquisitions Specialist includes:

• Salary: $160,000 - $180,000
• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave, and Paid Holidays

This job opens for applications on 7/31/2025. Applications will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords:

#LI-MM1 #LI-ONSITE

Acquisition Specialist, DoD Acquisitions, Program Management, Defense Contracting, Rapid Prototyping, TS/SCI Jobs, Clearance Jobs, Space Control, National Security Space, JCIDS, PPBE, DoDI 5000.02, SAP Access, Government Program Support, Defense Budgeting, Technical Program Oversight