Strategic Acquisition Support Engineer

Socket.dev; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC seeks an experienced Strategic Acquisition Support Engineer in Chantilly, VA, to plan and execute procurement, development, and fielding of satellite systems while balancing technical requirements with budget constraints.

The role requires leading acquisition activities, advising on contracting strategies, and coordinating with government stakeholders in a fast-paced environment. TS/SCI clearance and DoD experience are highly valued.

Qualifications

• Experience in satellite systems acquisitions and program management within DoD.
• Demonstrated ability to apply DoD policies to program plans.
• Experience leading DoD acquisition programs through major milestones for an ACAT I program.

Responsibilities

• Advise on acquisition strategies, organizational structure, and contracting policy.
• Set up acquisition offices for efficient contracting with appropriate risk posture.
• Contribute to governance for major acquisitions, including milestone reviews and boards.
• Provide program management guidance on schedules, budgets, and execution.
• Develop RFI/Market Research, SOWs, and Rights in Technical Data and Software.
• Lead acquisition activities for Planning/Execution events.
• Prepare status reports and briefings; coordinate meetings and acquisition plans.
• Coordinate funding commitments and expenditures with government customers.
• Develop metrics to track program progress and accountability.

Skills

Acquisition leadership

DoD experience

Education

Bachelor's degree + 14+ years

Tools

Policy guidance tools

Job description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

SAIC is seeking self-directed leaders who skillfully navigate ambiguity, solve complex challenges, and bring diverse expertise to a dynamic environment focused on delivering capability rapidly. Success here requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to wear multiple hats in support of a high impact mission. Candidates experienced as USAF/USSF acquisition officers (AFSC: 63A) or developmental engineers (AFSC: 62E) leading satellite programs in the USSF (SSC), NRO, or SDA, applying the full range of the systems engineering discipline (e.g., Requirements Development, Architecture, SE milestones: SRR, PDR, CDR, etc.), and/or DAWIA/PMI Program Management will be especially well-prepared to excel.

Job Description

This position is for a Strategic Acquisition Support Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Strategic Acquisition Support Engineer is responsible for working strategically with the customer to plan and execute the procurement, development, and fielding of satellite systems while balancing technical requirements with budget constraints.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as an advisor to the PAE-AC Chief of Contracts on matters of acquisition strategies, organizational structure, and contracting policy.
• Consult on setting up an acquisition office that can execute contracts in an efficient and streamlined manner while maintaining an acceptable risk posture, taking into account mission urgency, compliance with acquisition law, and effective use of taxpayer dollars.
• Assist in the creation of the fundamental acquisition governance necessary to support major system acquisitions such as milestone review processes, warrant boards, and other local policies and processes.
• Provide advice to Program/Project Managers regarding acquisition strategies, schedules, contracting, budgeting and execution.
• Support the development of acquisition strategies, RFI/Market Research, RPP, Milestone Statutory and Regulatory requirements, Statement of Work, Compliance and Reference Document, Contract Deliverable Requirements List, and Rights in Technical Data and Software.
• Lead and coordinate all acquisition activities in preparing for Planning/Execution events.
• Prepare periodic status reports, coordinate, and execute periodic staff meetings and technical interchange meetings, and develop acquisition plans, schedules, and executive program briefings.
• Provide program element coordination, staffing and monitoring; advise and assist government customer regarding funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures.
• Develop performance metrics to ensure measurable progress and accountability throughout the program lifecycle.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• Experience in satellite systems acquisitions and program management and/or contracts management within the Department of Defense
• Experience leading DoD acquisition programs through major milestone for an ACAT I program
• Demonstrated understanding of DoD acquisition policies and processes and ability to apply DoD policies to program plans
• Experience providing systems engineering support and technical guidance in the acquisition, development, and deployment of satellite systems.
• Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.
• Ability to facilitate technical discussions with SMEs.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.

Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.

Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.

TS/SCI required.

Previous SAP experience desired.

SAIC® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives. We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.