Cyber Acquisition Lead with Security Clearance

Cornerstone Defense LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

HSA and FSA options

Life and Disability Insurance

Job summary

Cornerstone Defense LLC seeks a Cyber Acquisition Lead to advise senior DoD cyber leadership on planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition across the DoD cyber portfolio. The role sits between the Pentagon and Mark Center, shaping investment strategies and ensuring funded programs align with mission needs.

You will provide SETA advisory support, develop executive briefings, and coordinate across military departments to synchronize cyber policy and resource planning while guiding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum 10 years of DoD strategic planning, programming, and PPBE execution related to cyberspace operations.
• Experience in Service or Joint programming, including POM development and PE-level fiscal management.
• Knowledge of legacy DAS or the modern JFRP.
• Experience with SWAP, OTA, or other cyber acquisition processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide SETA advisory support to government teams designing, developing, evaluating, and integrating AI-enabled applications, tools, and workflows.
• Support senior DoD cyber leadership with strategic planning, programming, budgeting, and cyber resource decision-making.
• Assist development, integration, and execution of the PPBE process including POM and PBR activities.
• Analyze PE-level funding, budget submissions, investment proposals, and resource allocations.
• Develop executive-level briefings, reports, and decision products for senior leaders.

Skills

DoD strategic planning

PPBE execution

Cyber acquisition

POM development

PE-level fiscal management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SNAP-IT

ADVANA

Budget Justification Books

Job description

Title: Cyber Acquisition Lead Location: Arlington & Alexandria, VA Compensation Range: $170 -$200K

• Clearance:
• Active TS/SCI needed to apply
• Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense is the Employer of Choice within the Intelligence, Defense, and Space communities of the U.S. Government. Realizing early on that our most prized assets are our employees, we continually focus our attention on improving the overall work/life experience they have supporting the mission. Our Team is pushed every day to use their industry leading knowledge to provide end-to-end solutions to combat our nation's toughest and most secure problems. If you are looking for a place to not only be professionally challenged, but encouraged and supported by a company that cares, don't look any further than Cornerstone Defense. Benefits Overview: Cornerstone Defense offers a very comprehensive benefits package including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Generous PTO Policy
• 401(k)
• HSA and FSA options
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement and Training
• Perks at Work Discount Program
• Referral Program
• Leads Generation Program
• CollegeAmerica 529
• Fitness Reimbursement Program
• Travel Assistance
• Norton Lifelock Benefit Solutions
• Life Planning Financial & Legal Services
• Position Description: The Cyber Acquisition Lead serves as a strategic advisor to senior Department of Defense cyber leadership within the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor (OPCA). In this role, you will guide planning, programming, budgeting, and acquisition activities supporting cyberspace operations across the Department. This position plays a critical role in shaping cyber investment strategies, analyzing Program Element (PE) funding, supporting POM and PBR activities, and ensuring cyber capability requirements translate into well-resourced, mission-aligned programs. Operating between the Pentagon and Mark Center, you will influence enterprise-wide decisions that drive the future of DoD cyber forces, readiness, and modernization. Core Tasks :
• Provide SETA technical advisory support to government teams designing, developing, evaluating, and integrating AI-enabled applications, tools, and workflows.
• Serve as a trusted advisor within the Office of the Principal Cyber Advisor (OPCA), supporting senior DoD cyber leadership with strategic planning, programming, budgeting, and cyber resource decision-making.
• Support development, integration, and execution of the PPBE process, including Program Objective Memorandum (POM) development, Program and Budget Review (PBR) activities, fiscal analysis, and preparation of budget certification materials.
• Analyze Program Element (PE)-level funding, budget submissions, investment proposals, and resource allocations to ensure alignment with Department cyber strategy and operational needs.
• Provide technical and analytical assessments of cyber programs, funding initiatives, acquisition proposals, risk areas, and opportunities to strengthen mission effectiveness.
• Develop executive-level briefings, reports, recommendations, and decision products that translate complex fiscal, acquisition, and cyber operational information into clear guidance for senior leaders.
• Apply knowledge of JCIDS, the Defense Acquisition System (DAS), Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP), and cyber acquisition pathways (SWAP, OTA) to ensure cyber capability requirements translate into funded, executable programs.
• Utilize DoD resource management tools such as SNAP-IT, ADVANA, Budget Justification Books, and related systems to conduct detailed program and budget analysis.
• Coordinate across Military Departments, Combatant Commands, OSD offices, and other stakeholders to synchronize cyber policy, capability development, acquisition activities, and enterprise resource planning.
• Support OPCA oversight and advocacy responsibilities for cyber forces and cyberspace activities, ensuring resources are prioritized to meet mission readiness and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to enterprise-level decision processes that shape future DoD cyber capability investments, force structure, and strategic resourcing priorities.
• Develop operational guidance, documentation, and strategic communications that support cyber governance, resource planning, and senior leadership decision-making. Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in any field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in DoD strategic planning, programming, and PPBE execution related to cyberspace operations.
• Experience in Service or Joint programming, including POM development and PE-level fiscal management.
• Knowledge of legacy Defense Acquisition System (DAS) or the modern Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP).
• Expertise in Software Acquisition Pathway (SWAP), OTA, or other cyber acquisition processes and contract vehicles.
• Experience supporting CAPE PBR activities for Cyber or C4IP programs, including developing strategic review memos, issue papers, and participating in CAPE teams.
• Ability to interface effectively with senior leaders and communicate complex fiscal, acquisition, and cyber operational matters.
• Demonstrated strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven ability to provide technical analysis and advisory support. Preferred:
• Experience developing Congressional Budget Justification materials.