Undersea Acquisition Lead

Arenatechnologies; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Arenatechnologies is looking for an Undersea Acquisition Lead to support Maritime acquisition and prototyping efforts. This role emphasizes robust project management skills and a strong blend of subsea warfare expertise. The ideal candidate will provide technical oversight throughout the acquisition life cycle and ensure effective communication among all stakeholders.

You will act as a trusted advisor within a dynamic environment, engaged in developing innovative solutions for national defense. Join us in Chantilly VA and help shape our future in undersea technologies.

Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance, with CI Polygraph preferred.
• Minimum of 10–15 years in naval weapons systems or maritime robotics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support Maritime acquisition and prototyping efforts.
• Lead execution of technical tasks across prototype development.
• Assist PM in project life-cycle management.

Skills

Subsea warfare expertise

Project management

Communication skills

Technical oversight

Education

Bachelor’s or Master's in relevant engineering discipline

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity. We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense. Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.

The Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters. Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF). Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for an Undersea Acquisition Lead.

Responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) to support a myriad of Maritime acquisition and prototyping efforts, taking technologies to a fieldable prototype level of maturity and transitioning to operational entities in the DoW. Acting as a trusted advisor to a fast-paced DoW Research & Development (R&D) Office, SETA will provide independent technical oversight, program risk assessment, and operational guidance across the entire prototype development life cycle—from initial capability definition through rapid testing and transition planning. SETA will lead the execution of complex technical tasks, to include definition of technical requirements, evaluation of technical proposals, monitoring of program technical execution, review of deliverables, coordination of test events, and coordination with mission partners to ensure project requirements are maintained and risk is minimized. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of sub-seaand seabed warfare (SSW) and undersea technical expertise, DoW project management experience, and superior communication skills.

• Project Management Support:
  • Assist government Project Manager (PM) in all phases of the acquisition life-cycle, including planning, execution, and transition.
  • Develop and maintain project schedules, milestone trackers, and risk management frameworks.
  • Prepare and review project documentation, such as Statements of Work (SOWs), technical requirements documents, and briefing materials for senior leadership.
  • Track project budget execution, monitor performer spending, and provide analysis to ensure alignment with project goals.
  • Coordinate and facilitate project reviews, technical exchange meetings, and stakeholder working groups.
• Technical & Integration Support:
  • Provide technical oversight and assessment of performer technologies, with a focus on undersea prototype capability development.
  • Help define and manage performance and system integration requirements.
  • Support the government team in designing and executing technology demonstrations and operational test and evaluation events.
  • Analyze areas needing attention and advise the PM on recommended courses of action (COAs).
• Stakeholder & Vendor Coordination:
  • Serve as a primary technical and programmatic liaison between the government program office and capability development vendors.
  • Facilitate clear and consistent communication to ensure vendor efforts are aligned with government requirements and project milestones.
  • Assist in the on-boarding and management of new performers.
  • Represent the program office in technical discussions with DoW, Intelligence Community (IC), and inter-agency stakeholders, and Theater Special Operations Command (TSOC) / Geographic Combatant Command (GCC) transition partners.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance. Active CI Polygraph preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering, Marine Technology, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of combined experience in naval weapons systems, subsea engineering, or maritime robotics. At least 3+ years specifically supporting UUV programs or advanced undersea system prototyping initiatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of the DoW acquisition process and program management principles.
• Deep understanding of one or more critical UUV subsystems: autonomous mission planning, underwater communication (acoustic telemetry), inertial navigation systems (INS), or payload launch and recovery mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing senior government officials.
• Able to travel approximately 25%, with some travel on short notice.
• Able to work full time in a Chantilly VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces.

Desired Qualifications

• Prior SETA or Engineering Duty Officer (EDO) experience
• PMP or DAWIA Level II/III certification in Program Management or Engineering.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment with minimal supervision.