Acquisition Program Manager, SSC/PC

United States Space Force; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Space Force in Los Angeles, CA seeks an Acquisition Program Manager (NH-1101-03, GS 12/13) to lead multi-million-dollar SCPNT contracts. This role drives source selections, advises COs, and acts as COR/TPOC, coordinating with SSC and other agencies.

The ideal candidate will possess a DoD-focused program management background, strong leadership, and the ability to obtain DAWIA Practitioner Certification within four years. Top Secret/SCI clearance is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, space systems, business administration or related field required.
• DAWIA certification or ability to obtain DAWIA Practitioner Certification within four years preferred.
• Experience with DoD or aerospace program management and acquisition.

Responsibilities

• Lead the SCPNT directorate's multi-million-dollar support contract portfolios.
• Drive acquisition velocity and coordinate with Finance and SSC Legal on MIPRs and inter-agency agreements.
• Review DD-254, CPARS evaluations and sponsor access for ~400 contractors.
• Bridge government and industry partners to convert requirements into mission-ready capabilities.

Skills

Program management

Acquisition

Contracting

DoD knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, space systems, business administration or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Production Corps (PC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is searching for an Acquisition Program Manager (NH-1101-03, GS 12/13 equivalent).

Description:

As the Chief of the Support Contracts Branch within Space Systems Command (SSC), System Delta 831, you will serve as the operational backbone for cutting-edge space acquisitions safeguarding the nation’s premier Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) enterprise. In this mission-critical leadership role, you will orchestrate the Satellite Communication and Position, Navigation, and Timing (SCPNT) directorate's multi-million-dollar support contract portfolios, leading strategic source selections, advising Contracting Officers on vital actions, and serving directly as a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Technical Point of Contact (TPOC). On a daily basis, you will drive acquisition velocity by collaborating with Finance and SSC Legal to coordinate Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPRs) and orchestrate complex inter-agency Support Agreements. Additionally, you will secure the operational environment by reviewing DD-254 Contract Security Classification Specifications, directing Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluations, and sponsoring physical and logical personnel access (MP ICAM/CAC) for approximately 400 support contractors. Ultimately, this post demands an elite acquisition professional who can seamlessly bridge government and industry partners, solve complex contractual challenges, and turn rigorous requirements into lethal, mission-ready warfighter capability.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, space systems, business administration or a related field (master’s degree is preferred). Experience in program management, acquisition, or a related discipline, preferably within the DoD or aerospace sector. Must be able to obtain DAWIA Practitioner Certification within four (4) years of job start. Knowledge of space surveillance systems, optical technologies, or similar technical domains. Proven leadership experience in managing large, complex programs or projects. Strong leadership and coordination skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Preferred Qualifications DAWIA Practitioner certification in Program Management or equivalent. Experience with systems engineering principles and practices, particularly within the space domain. Familiarity with GEODSS or other space surveillance systems (e.g., SBSS, Space Fence). Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Key Skills and Abilities:

• 1. Knowledge of the applicable principles, concepts, policies, and laws; functions, programs, and systems applicable to the duties of program management and material support; sources, responsibilities, and means for providing assistance and advice to resolve contracts and program management problems; and all aspects of contracts and program management contracts and support.
• 2. Knowledge of government and private industry policies and practices related to business management, industrial management, financial systems, technical concepts, and production practices. Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate a variety of program information, such as commercial business practices, market conditions, offer acceptability, contractor acceptability, contractor responsibility and/or performance to determine acquisition strategy and sources.
• 3. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the Department of War, Air Force, and entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence management control of proposed and ongoing service contracts.
• 4. Knowledge of methods of supervision to hold others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of a unit and mentor, motivate, and appraise subordinate staff. Determine objectives, make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions, set priorities, cause change, and accomplish organizational goals.
• 5. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, with technical accuracy and to use computers and a variety of software programs and databases, gather and analyze a variety of program information, make sound judgments concerning program progress, and effectively communicate recommendations orally and in writing to higher organizational management and contractors.

Requirements:

• 1. Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• 2. Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance with SCI access.
• 3. Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
• 4. This position is designated for drug testing. Incumbent is subject to random urinalysis testing as a condition of employment.
• 5. May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
• 6. May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
• 7. The employee must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• 8. Employee must within 30-days of assuming this position and annually thereafter, file an OGE-450, “Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.” Employee is required to attend annual ethics and procurement integrity training.
• 9. This position is part of the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
• 10. Eligible for situational telework only, including Emergency and OPM prescribed “Unscheduled Telework”.
• 11. PCS is authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
• 12. Subject to Temporary Duty Assignment (TDY): Approximately 15 days per year.
• 13. Position will close in 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).

Organization:

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).

The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of War relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.

The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!