Senior Acquisition Lead with Security Clearance

Astrion; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Senior Acquisition Lead to join the MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) team. You will guide acquisition strategy, contracting, budgeting, and program execution for next‑generation SATCOM systems.

The role requires an active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain), a BS in Systems/Software Engineering, 12+ years in DoD acquisitions, and strong briefing skills.

Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of acquisition/program management experience in DoD programs.
• Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, contracting, and financial management.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with ability to brief senior leaders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Advise government program managers and senior Space Force leaders on acquisition strategies, contracting, and budgeting.
• Provide expertise in software and space system acquisition, including classified ACAT programs.
• Develop and coordinate documentation for Defense Acquisition Boards, source selections, and solicitation planning (RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, etc.).
• Lead and mentor acquisition and systems engineering professionals.
• Conduct schedule management, risk assessments, and business case analyses for DoD programs.
• Draft and deliver briefings, reports, and strategic communications to leadership.
• Identify program execution challenges and propose strategic solutions.

Skills

Active Secret clearance

Strong communication

Brief senior leaders

Microsoft Office proficiency

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Systems/Software Engineering or related field

Tools

Confluence

JIRA

Job description

Overview Senior Acquisition Lead LOCATION: El Segundo, CA (On-site) JOB STATUS: Full Time CLEARANCE: Secret (active or ability to obtain)

SALARY: $162,000 - $190,000 Astrion is seeking a Senior Acquisition Lead to join our MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) team, supporting the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC). This role provides senior-level expertise in acquisition strategy, contracting, budgeting, and program execution for next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) systems. As a trusted advisor to government leadership, you will shape acquisition strategies, guide source selections, resolve program risks, and deliver actionable recommendations that drive mission success.

Required Qualifications

• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of acquisition/program management experience in DoD programs.
• Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, contracting, and financial management.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with ability to brief senior leaders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing ACAT I-III programs.
• Prior role as an advisor/evaluator in a source selection.
• Familiarity with Confluence, JIRA, and modern collaboration tools.
• Certifications: DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, or PgMP.
• Experience with MILSATCOM systems (AEHF, EPS, WGS, Tactical SATCOM, COMSATCOM).
• Experience working with military and DoD civilian clients.

Responsibilities

• Advise government program managers and senior Space Force leaders on acquisition strategies, contracting, and budgeting.
• Provide expertise in software and space system acquisition, including classified ACAT programs.
• Develop and coordinate documentation for Defense Acquisition Boards, source selections, and solicitation planning (RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, etc.).
• Lead and mentor acquisition and systems engineering professionals.
• Conduct schedule management, risk assessments, and business case analyses for DoD programs.
• Draft and deliver briefings, reports, and strategic communications to leadership.
• Identify program execution challenges and propose strategic solutions.