Program Acquisition Specialist

Zachary Piper Solutions; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefits

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Program Acquisition Specialist to support SSC Space Systems Command in El Segundo, CA. You will provide acquisition, budget, contracting, and program management expertise across space programs focused on Combat Power, Space Domain Awareness, and Enterprise Battle Management.

Responsibilities include advising stakeholders on strategies and scheduling, developing acquisition plans and briefs, and tracking funding with DoD procedures.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with an in-scope T5 or SSBI investigation and eligibility for SCI access.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Technical Management, or related discipline.
• 5+ years of DoD acquisition, program management, and/or contracts management experience supporting weapon systems programs.
• Experience supporting acquisition strategies, acquisition plans, J&A packages, program documentation, and executive briefings.
• Knowledge of the DoD Major Capability Acquisition process, JCIDS, and PPBE processes.
• Prior government acquisition or SETA experience required, government-side preferred.
• Master's degree, PMP certification, and experience in National Security Space preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise Program Managers and stakeholders on acquisition strategies, program execution, contracting actions, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Develop acquisition plans, strategies, J&A packages, executive briefings, and program documentation per DoD policies.
• Support contractor design reviews and milestone reviews to assess progress, risks, and mission requirements.
• Track funding commitments, obligations, expenditures, and monthly financial reporting.
• Coordinate staff meetings, technical interchange meetings, and cross-functional communications.
• Develop and maintain program planning and execution documents for rapid prototyping and space initiatives.

Skills

Acquisition strategy

Program management

Contracts management

Budgeting

Scheduling

DoD acquisition policies

SET A experience

Security clearance TS/SCI

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Technical Management, or related discipline

Master's degree

PMP certification

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Program Acquisition Specialist to support the United States Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) in El Segundo, CA. This individual will support a portfolio of space acquisition programs focused on delivering advanced warfighting capabilities across Combat Power, Space Domain Awareness, and Enterprise Battle Management initiatives. The Program Acquisition Specialist will provide acquisition, budget, contracting, and program management expertise for critical national security space programs.

Responsibilities of the Program Acquisition Specialist include:

• Advise Program Managers and government stakeholders on acquisition strategies, program execution, contracting actions, budgeting, and scheduling
• Develop acquisition plans, acquisition strategies, J&A packages, executive briefings, and program documentation in accordance with DoD acquisition policies and frameworks
• Support contractor design reviews and milestone reviews to assess program progress, risks, issues, and mission requirements
• Track funding commitments, obligations, expenditures, and monthly financial reporting activities
• Coordinate staff meetings, technical interchange meetings, and cross-functional stakeholder communications
• Develop and maintain program planning and execution documents supporting rapid prototyping and space acquisition initiatives

Qualifications for the Program Acquisition Specialist include:

• Active TS/SCI clearance with an in-scope T5 or SSBI investigation and eligibility for SCI access
• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, Technical Management, or a related discipline
• 5+ years of Department of Defense acquisition, program management, and/or contracts management experience supporting weapon systems programs
• Experience supporting acquisition strategies, acquisition plans, J&A packages, program documentation, and executive briefings
• Knowledge of the DoD Major Capability Acquisition process, Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), and Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process
• Prior government acquisition or SETA experience required, with government-side acquisition experience strongly preferred
• Master's degree, PMP certification, and experience supporting National Security Space or Space Control mission areas preferred

Compensation for the Program Acquisition Specialist includes:

• Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000
• Comprehensive Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, Sick Leave if required by law, and Holidays

This job opens for applications on September 30, 2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: Program Acquisition Specialist, DoD Acquisition, Acquisition Strategy, Acquisition Planning, J&A, JCIDS, PPBE, Program Management, Contracts Management, SETA, Government Acquisition, Weapon Systems Acquisition, Space Systems Command, SSC, United States Space Force, National Security Space, Space Control, TS/SCI, SCI Eligible, SAP, Financial Management, Budget Execution, Executive Briefings, Rapid Prototyping, Defense Acquisition, El Segundo CA, Space Operations, Government Consulting.

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