Strategic Acquisition Support Engineer

Saic; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Strategic Acquisition Support Engineer to plan and execute the procurement, development, and fielding of satellite systems while balancing technical requirements with budget constraints. The role requires advising the customer, establishing acquisition offices, coordinating milestones, and engaging with senior government decision-makers to move fast in a defense context.

Demonstrated experience with DoD acquisition policies, ACAT I programs, and a TS/SCI

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 14+ years of relevant experience; or Master's with 12+ years.
• Experience in satellite systems acquisitions and DoD program management.
• Experience leading DoD acquisition programs through major milestones (ACAT I).
• Understanding of DoD acquisition policies and processes.
• Ability to communicate with senior decision-makers and diverse audiences.
• TS/SCI clearance required; prior SAP experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Chief of Contracts on acquisition strategies, organizational structure, and contracting policy.
• Assist in setting up an acquisition office that can execute contracts efficiently while maintaining acceptable risk.
• Help create governance for major system acquisitions including milestone reviews and boards.
• Provide guidance to Program/Project Managers on strategies, schedules, budgeting and execution.
• Support development of RFI/Market Research, SOWs, and related documents.
• Lead and coordinate all acquisition activities for Planning/Execution events.
• Prepare status reports, coordinate staff meetings and technical interchange discussions.
• Advise government customers on funding commitments, obligations, and expenditures.
• Develop performance metrics to ensure measurable progress and accountability.

Skills

Satellite systems acquisitions

Program management

Contracts management

DoD acquisition policies

Acquisition governance

Stakeholder communication

Leadership and team building

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 14+ years

Job description

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.

Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.