Acquisition Management Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Overview

The Senior Acquisition SME plays a critical role in supporting the successful delivery of space systems within the Space Sensing mission area. This position is based in El Segundo, CA, and involves close collaboration with the Space Systems Command's (SSC) Space Sensing senior leadership. The Senior Acquisition SME provides strategic guidance and expert recommendations to translate mission needs into operational end-to-end solutions through the development and coordination of acquisition documentation.

Responsibilities

• In this role you will support senior Space Force leadership with acquisition strategies, contracting, budgeting, and program execution.
• You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary DoD technical workforce and industry partners to ensure successful program outcomes.
• You will evaluate and assist in the development of acquisition documentation, including strategies, plans, and deliverables, for compliance with DoD and Space Force policies and guidance.
• Responsibilities and tasks will also include:
  • Provide expertise in software acquisition for DoD programs, including classified ACAT-like space control systems
  • Develop and coordinate documentation required for Defense Acquisition Boards and source selections
  • Offer strategic approaches for acquisition planning and execution, including AoA, ASP, ASD, J\\\\&A, RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, and incentive plans
  • Advise on government contracting and financial management processes
  • Support ongoing and emerging program acquisitions and schedule management for DoD programs
  • Identify program execution issues and recommend actionable solutions
  • Draft presentation materials, status briefings, and strategic communication inputs
  • Perform analyses of program business cases and risk assessments
  • Serve as an advisor during technical evaluations and source selections

• Salary range: $135,000 - $165,000 annually / DOE

Skills Required

• Minimum of 20 years of experience in acquisition management and planning within DoD or related environments.
• Strong understanding of ACAT I-III program management and milestone decision processes (pre-Milestone A through Milestone C).
• Demonstrated expertise in developing acquisition strategies and supporting source selections.
• Knowledge of DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and work independently on high-visibility, time-sensitive tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Master's degree in a related science or engineering field (e.g., systems engineering, software engineering) is required.
• Active TS clearance, SCI eligible with an in-scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI) is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as an evaluator/advisor on at least one source selection.
• Familiarity with Confluence and JIRA.
• Certifications: DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, and/or PgMP.
• Pentagon or major headquarters experience.
• Understanding of Congressional Defense Committees.

Education

Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, or the sciences.