Sr. Program Manager and Acquisition Support

Stellar Solutions; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary annual performance bonus

Retirement plan

Health benefits

Job summary

A recognized engineering solutions provider is seeking an experienced acquisition planner in El Segundo, CA. The role involves leading software-intensive command-and-control projects for the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command. Ideal candidates will have more than 10 years of relevant experience in defense programs and a Bachelor's degree. The salary ranges from $155,000 to $185,000 per year, along with a performance bonus and benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of acquisition support on complex Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs.
• 5+ years of program/project management experience.
• Demonstrated ownership of RFP/SOW/Sections L&M.

Responsibilities

• Own acquisition strategy and execution for software-intensive C2 increments.
• Drive source selection and author evaluation notices.
• Plan the delivery runway aligning to technical baselines.

Skills

Acquisition strategy

Stakeholder fluency

Project management

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Overview

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized "Great Place To Work", has exciting opportunities providing Engineering solutions for innovative new-entrant space companies, as well as established space systems manufacturers, commercial space system operators and service providers, and other industry stakeholders including investors.

At Stellar Solutions, we offer talented, energetic, and immediately productive resources to satisfy our customers' critical needs in systems engineering and integration, mission operations, program management and strategic planning. We are a leading service and expertise provider for high-tech commercial ventures, spanning communications, earth observation and remote sensing systems and data products, to the infrastructures that support earth orbiting and beyond earth orbit businesses.

Job Location

El Segundo, CA, United States.

Role / Responsibilities / Qualifications

This role supports the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC). You'll anchor acquisition planning and execution for software-intensive command-and-control capabilities in a fast-moving, multi-stakeholder environment.

• Own acquisition strategy and execution for software-intensive C2 increments: shape Request for Proposal (RFP) packages including Sections L (Instructions) and M (Evaluation), Statements of Work/Objectives (SOW/SOO), Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs), and discriminator narratives tied to mission threads and operator needs.
• Drive source selection: stand up evaluation plans, author Evaluation Notices (ENs), manage down-select criteria, and prepare clear decision briefs through Source Selection Advisory Council/Authority (SSAC/SSA).
• Plan the delivery runway: align the Integrated Master Plan/Schedule (IMP/IMS) to technical baselines and the Systems Engineering Plan / Test & Evaluation Master Plan (SEP/TEMP) with clear gates (SRR PDR CDR TRR/OT).
• Integrate cyber early: embed Risk Management Framework / Authority to Operate (RMF/ATO) evidence into acquisition artifacts and vendor deliverables.
• Lead within an Integrated Product Team (IPT): synchronize Contracting (KO/PCO), Program Control (Earned Value Management and Schedule Risk Analysis), Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I), Test, Cyber, and Ops/User representatives to keep risk visible and decisions timely.
• Engage international partners as needed: translate priorities into actionable plans and coordinate transitions to Program Executive Offices for execution.
• Communicate with clarity: brief status, risks, and trade-offs to Product Managers/Branch Chiefs and portfolio leadership; produce high-quality artifacts to tight timelines.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree.
• 10+ years of acquisition support on complex Department of Defense or Intelligence Community programs, with substantial experience on command-and-control, or mission-system portfolios; 5+ years program/project management.
• Demonstrated ownership of RFP/SOW/Sections L&M, source selection execution, IMP/IMS integration, and SEP/TEMP alignment for software-intensive increments.
• Stakeholder fluency across Program Executive Office/Program Management Office (PEO/PMO), Contracting (KO/PCO), SE&I, Test, Cyber/RMF, and Operators; experience with International Partners is desired.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Direct support to Space Systems Command (SSC) portfolios (current or planned capabilities).
• Prior work with Space C2 / ground (e.g., Satellite Control Network modernization) or adjacent portfolios such as ABMS/JADC2 (Department of the Air Force battle network) or Missile Defense Agency C2BMC.
• Advanced degree; space acquisition background; mission-partner/stakeholder relations.

Security Clearance & Other Requirements

• U.S. Citizen with Top Secret Clearance and with the ability to obtain SCI level clearances as required.
• Position location is El Segundo, CA - Note: Position is on-site/hybrid and may require travel (<20%) based on program need.

Compensation

The typical salary range for this position is USD $155,000 - $185,000 per year. Individual pay is determined by many factors including work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. In addition to salary, this position is also eligible for a discretionary annual performance bonus, retirement plan and other benefits (all included as part of package).

Deliverables

Deliverables could be in the format of a report, software file, briefing, spreadsheet, or other document as directed by the Government, using government approved and/or mandated systems/software and processes governed by guidance/instructions/policy or direction. The nature of this work will, at times, require quick responses to stringent deadlines and always in a high quality, professional manner.