Sr. Acquisition Strategy SME with Security Clearance

Astrion; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Senior Acquisition Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Space Systems Command. You will provide high-level acquisition strategy, planning, and advisory support across space-based missions, working directly with senior leadership to shape program direction, acquisition approaches, and source selections.

This is a high-visibility role requiring deep DoD lifecycle experience, Headquarters coordination, and space system program execution, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 15+ years in DoD acquisition management.
• Experience with HQ Staff and operational units.
• Expertise in acquisition strategies and source selections.
• Knowledge of DoD lifecycle (ACAT I-III) and milestones.
• Understanding of DoD contracting, budgeting, PPBE.
• Knowledge of USSF policy and interagency relations.
• Citizenship: US required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic acquisition planning and advisory support across SSC mission areas.
• Develop and refine acquisition strategies for space-based systems and programs.
• Support source selection activities and evaluation documentation.
• Assess program acquisition documents (e.g., strategies, RFPs, CDRLs).
• Provide leadership recommendations on program execution and risk.
• Support PPBE budgeting and financial planning.
• Interface with senior leadership and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate across Headquarters, MAJCOM, and program offices.
• Prepare executive briefings and decision support materials.
• Offer policy insights impacting acquisition programs.
• Lead cross-functional teams in high-visibility environments.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree

15+ years DoD acquisition

DoD lifecycle knowledge

PPBE budgeting

USSF policy knowledge

HQ staff experience

Executive briefing skills

Citizenship: US

Education

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Confluence/JIRA familiarity

Job description

Overview Senior Acquisition Strategy SME (USSF / SSC) LOCATION: El Segundo, CA

JOB STATUS: Full-time

CLEARANCE: Active TS clearance; SCI eligible with in-scope investigation (T5/SSBI)

CERTIFICATION: DAWIA/APDP Level III, PMP, or PgMP (preferred)

TRAVEL: As Needed

SALARY: $185,000 - $230,000

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Acquisition Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Space Systems Command (SSC) in El Segundo, CA. This position provides high-level acquisition strategy, planning, and advisory support across space-based mission areas, working directly with senior leadership to shape program direction, acquisition approaches, and source selection activities. This is a high-visibility, strategic role requiring deep experience across the DoD acquisition lifecycle, Headquarters-level coordination, and space system program execution.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or related field
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in DoD acquisition management and planning
• Experience supporting both operational units and Headquarters Staff organizations (or equivalent)
• Demonstrated expertise in developing acquisition strategies and supporting source selections
• Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle (ACAT I-III) and milestone decision processes
• Experience with DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles (PPBE)
• Understanding of USSF policy and doctrine, including service, combatant command, and interagency relationships
• Familiarity with Congressional Defense Committees and related processes

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• U.S. Citizenship required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Master's degree in systems engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field
• Experience supporting Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) or related space mission areas
• Prior experience supporting Pentagon, major command (MAJCOM), or Headquarters-level organizations
• Previous role as an evaluator or advisor on source selection boards (SSEB/SSAC)
• Familiarity with Confluence, JIRA, or similar collaboration tools
• DAWIA/APDP Level III certification in Program Management or equivalent
• Experience leading diverse teams and working independently in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide strategic acquisition planning and advisory support across SSC mission areas
• Develop, assess, and refine acquisition strategies for space-based systems and programs
• Support and advise on source selection activities, including evaluation criteria and documentation
• Assess and evaluate program acquisition documentation (e.g., acquisition strategies, RFPs, CDRLs)
• Provide recommendations to leadership on program execution, risk, and acquisition approachSupport PPBE activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and program alignment
• Interface with senior leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders, including interagency partners
• Coordinate across Headquarters, MAJCOM, and program-level organizations to ensure alignment of acquisition efforts
• Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, and decision support materials
• Provide insight into policy, doctrine, and legislative considerations impacting acquisition programs
• Lead or support cross-functional teams in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments
• Perform additional duties as required #CJ