Program Acquisition Specialist - 17

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

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Program Acquisition Specialist to support SSC in El Segundo, CA. The role focuses on acquisition, budgeting, contracting, and program management across space programs delivering advanced warfighting capabilities.

The position requires an active TS/SCI clearance, a bachelor’s degree, 5+ years in DoD acquisition/PM, and knowledge of JCIDS/PPBE processes. Master’s degree and PMP are preferred.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI clearance with in-scope investigation and SCI access.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Engineering, Technical Management, or related field.
• 5+ years DoD acquisition, PM, and/or contracts management experience.
• Experience with acquisition strategies, plans, J&A packages, and exec briefings.
• Knowledge of DoD Major Capability Acquisition, JCIDS, and PPBE processes.
• Prior government acquisition or SETA experience; government-side preferred.
• Master’s degree, PMP, and NS Space/Space Control experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise PMs and stakeholders on acquisition strategies, execution, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Develop acquisition plans, J&A packages, briefings, and program documentation per DoD rules.
• Support contractor design reviews and milestone reviews assessing progress and risks.
• Track funding commitments, obligations, expenditures, and monthly financial reporting.
• Coordinate staff meetings and cross-functional communications.
• Maintain planning documents supporting rapid prototyping and space initiatives.

Skills

TS/SCI clearance

DoD acquisition experience

Program management

Contract management

Leadership & communication

PMP certification

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business/Engineering/Technical Management

Master’s degree

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.

#LI-CG2

#LI-ONSITE