Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s SEI seeks an Acquisition Innovation Specialist to shape DoW software acquisition policy and practice, joining a team of experts delivering high-impact work across DoD programs and R&D efforts, including AI-enabled software approaches.

You will collaborate with policy teams, research emerging software technologies, and translate innovations into DoW programs, with travel and security clearances as required.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework
• Experience applying the DoW Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87)
• Experience in embedded systems or C2 programs
• Knowledge of FAR, OTAs, and writing RFPs

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with and advise DoW acquisition programs on development and execution of acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies, including AI
• Proactively work with stakeholders to identify and address software-related policy needs across programs
• Research the acquisition implications of emerging software technologies and methods
• Collaborate with SEI teams to transition innovations into DoW acquisition programs
• Abstract and synthesize data to inform program strategies, research projects, and policy recommendations
• Develop approaches to apply innovations into contexts beyond DoW

Skills

DevSecOps

Agile methodologies

Digital engineering

Modern test and eval

AI capabilities integration

DoW contract & planning

Education

BS in software/quantitative field

MS in software/quantitative field

PhD in relevant field

Job description

About the role

We’re seeking an acquisition innovator to join our team of high-performing, highly experienced professionals and researchers to shape the development of forward-thinking DoW software acquisition policy and practice. If you have experience in modern DoW software acquisitions and are a creative thinker who can seek solutions to complex challenges, we’d love to meet you. As a Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist at the SEI, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with DoW policy teams and programs, leading and participating on client and research teams that are focused on solving the toughest software acquisition challenges. In this position, you’ll be part of a mission-focused culture of collaboration, transparency, and delivering timely, high-quality, high-impact work. We are leading the way in establishing acquisition approaches for advanced software technologies and methods.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate with and advise DoW acquisition programs on the development and execution of acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)
• Proactively work with stakeholders from across the acquisition enterprise to identify and address software-related policy needs both in and across programs
• Research the acquisition implications of emerging software technologies and methods
• Collaborate with technical teams across the SEI to identify and execute on opportunities to transition the SEI’s technical innovations into DoW acquisition programs
• Abstract and synthesize data and experiences to inform programmatic strategies, research projects, and policy recommendations
• Develop approaches to apply innovations into contexts beyond the DoW

Who you are

You have strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, with recent direct experience applying the DoW Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87), as well as other accelerated/innovative acquisition approaches for software-enabled capabilities. You have experience developing and executing acquisition strategies in embedded systems or command and control (C2) programs. You have good understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and use of Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), with experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs). You have experience in at least two of the following areas, in DoW acquisitions:

• DevSecOps or software factories
• Agile software methodologies
• Digital engineering and model-based systems engineering
• Modern test and evaluation methodologies
• Integrating AI capabilities or systems
• DoW contract and financial planning and integrated performance management

You may also have a War Acquisition University certification in a field supporting software acquisition. You are a collaborative problem solver. You communicate clearly and can adapt your communication style to different audiences. You are eager to work on diverse problems with multiple factors that require analysis, innovation, creativity, and evaluation. You deliver high-quality work and care about the impact of your work. You have a combination of relevant education and experience: BS in a software-related, quantitative/analytical, or acquisition-relevant field with 10 years’ experience; MS in the same fields with 8 years’ experience; or PhD in those fields with 5 years’ experience. You are able to: You’re willing to travel (approximately 25%) outside your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings. Pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

Who we are

The SEI delivers innovative methods, tools, algorithms, and frameworks to meet current software and cybersecurity needs and provide a foundation for combating future ones. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. The SEI’s core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect‑free, within budget and on time, every time. The Acquisition Policy, Practice & Integration (APPI) team is a group of highly skilled technical professionals making a substantial impact in transforming DoW software acquisition policy and the acquisition workforce. We integrate empirical analysis, software engineering & AI research, and acquisition science provide meaningful, evidence-based guidance to DoW programs and other federal and state agencies. We are driven by the SEI mission to establish and advance software as a strategic advantage for national security, pursuing progress through collaboration with our colleagues and clients.

Location

Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Software/Applications Development/Engineering

Position Type

Staff – Regular Full time/Part time Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

Equal Opportunity Statement

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412‑268‑3930.

Contact

Need Help? For technical assistance, email [e-mail] or call 412-268-5072.