Digital Capabilities Directorate Acquisitions Specialist (DO-1101-03)

Air Force Research Laboratory; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Air Force Research Laboratory in Dayton, Ohio seeks a mid-level Acquisition Specialist to lead government and contractor teams in acquisition program and project management. This role supports high-tech research and fast-paced program execution. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, guiding COR duties, and delivering executive briefings to senior AFMC leadership and industry partners.

U.S. citizenship and security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required.
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the previous or equivalent grade level.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Leads/manages government and contractor workforce in the areas of acquisition program and project management.
• Coordinates and directs activities across multi-functional teams of researchers, engineers, contracting officers, financial managers, and IT specialists.
• Develops and oversees processes and policies for acquisitions support, including COR duties.
• Reviews contractor progress for SOW requirements, cost constraints and delivery schedules.
• Prepares and delivers high-level briefings to AFMC leadership and industry partners.

Job description

Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT AFMC CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 EST, 6 November 2026.

Innovation and ingenuity start here! if you were built to collaborate with others, flex your creativity and drive scientific breakthroughs, this role is for you. The Digital Mission Enterprise Division is looking for a mid-level Acquisition Specialist to help drive innovation and ingenuity.

Position Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Leads/manages government and contractor workforce in the areas of acquisition program and project management.
• Coordinates and directs activities across highly technical, multi-functional teams consisting of research scientists, engineers (DR-series), contracting officers (DO-1102), financial managers, and IT specialists - -
• Develops and oversees processes and policies as needed for all aspects of acquisitions support. Contractual Oversight & Surveillance: Often performs Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) duties .
• Reviews, guides, and assesses contractor progress, ensuring compliance with statement of work (SOW) requirements, cost constraints, and delivery schedule.
• Executive Briefings & Representation: Serves as a technical and acquisition advisor.
• Prepares and delivers decisive, high-level briefings to Technology Directorate (TD) leadership, senior Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) officials, and industry partners.
• Ensures compliance with external policies. Supports re-engineering of acquisitions support processes across the directorate to improve efficiency and speed.
• Monitors, manages and improves the efficiency of communication within the service.
• Plans and assigns work to be accomplished by team members, sets and adjusts priorities, and prepares schedules for the completion of individual work efforts.
• Provides technical guidance to individual team members and provides on-the-job training (OJT) to new employees.
• Portfolio & Life-cycle Management: Develops, implements, and controls contractual, financial, and technical aspects of advanced RDT&E programs where no closely related precedents exist. This includes defining program baselines (cost, schedule, and performance).

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Must have at least one year of specialized experience at the previous or equivalent grade level of the position being advertised
• Ability to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance.
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, www.sss.gov
• Acquisition Program Management Specialist (1101): to meet the eligibility for an Acquisition Program Management Specialist, applicants must meet the following basic requirements. Experience in support of projects, programs or assignments providing a requisite knowledge of contracting, acquisition, procurement purchasing or related functions of the position to be filled. Occupational Requirements here:

Desired Qualifications

• APDP Certification: Already possessing an active APDP Advanced Certification in Program Management (formerly Level II or III) is highly preferred over candidates who will require the full grace period to achieve it.
• Industry Certifications: Holding a non-governmental professional credential, such as the Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PMP).
• Financial & Contracting Credentials: Certifications or coursework in Cost Estimating, or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Level II/III experience. Demonstrated experience managing Budget Activities 1, 2, and 3 (Basic Research, Applied Research, and Advanced Technology Development).

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

1101

Additional Information

• Incentives may/may not be authorized
• Travel may be required for this position

Requisition Number 08926

Posting End Date

11/06/2026