Senior Acquisition Subject Matter Expert; SME

The Senior Acquisition SME plays a critical role in assisting the System Program Director with strategic planning and messaging with stakeholders. This position is based in El Segundo, CA, and involves close collaboration with the Space Systems Command’s (SSC) Space Sensing senior leadership, HQ USSF, Combat Forces Command (CFC), and representatives from other Services, Combatant Commands, and other government agencies. In addition, the Senior Acquisition SME may be asked to review acquisition related products to provide expert recommendations to translate mission needs into operational end-to-end solutions through the development and coordination of acquisition documentation.

• In this role you will support senior Space Force leadership with acquisition strategies, contracting, budgeting, and program execution.
• You will collaborate with a multidisciplinary DoD technical workforce and industry partners to ensure successful program outcomes.
• You will evaluate and assist in the development of acquisition documentation, including strategies, plans, and deliverables, for compliance with DoD and Space Force policies and guidance.

Additional responsibilities and tasks will also include:

• Craft strategic policy and initiatives in support of System Program Director.
• Provide expertise in software acquisition for DoD programs, including classified ACAT-like space control systems.
• Develop and coordinate documentation required for Defense Acquisition Boards and source selections.
• Offer strategic approaches for acquisition planning and execution, including AoA, ASP, ASD, J&A, RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, and incentive plans.
• Advise on government contracting and financial management processes.
• Support ongoing and emerging program acquisitions and schedule management for DoD programs.
• Identify program execution issues and recommend actionable solutions.
• Draft presentation materials, status briefings, and strategic communication inputs.
• Perform analyses of program business cases and risk assessments.
• Serve as an advisor during technical evaluations and source selections.

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in acquisition management and planning within DoD or related environments. This includes at minimum an assignment with an operational unit, as well as a Headquarters Staff organization (or equivalent).
• Acquisition Strategy:
  Demonstrated expertise in developing acquisition strategies and supporting source selections.
• Policy & Doctrine:
  Demonstrated expertise in USSF policy and doctrine, understanding of combatant command and service relationships, congressional affairs, and of the interagency process.
• Financial Management:
  Knowledge of DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles.
• Communication:
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge:
  Understanding of Congressional Defense Committees.
• Analytical
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• BA/BS in Science or related field is required.
• Active TS clearance, SCI eligible with an in‑scope security background investigation (T5 or SSBI) is required.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

• Master’s degree in a related science or engineering field (e.g., systems engineering, software engineering).
• Strong understanding of ACAT I–III program management and milestone decision processes (pre-Milestone A through Milestone
  
  C).
• Previous experience as an evaluator/advisor on at least one source selection.
• Familiarity with Confluence and JIRA.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and work independently on high‑visibility, time‑sensitive tasks.
• DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, and/or PgMP.
• Multiple assignments with Pentagon, major headquarters experience, and operations.
• Prior experience with Overhead Persistent Infrared, Missile Warning, Nuclear Detection, Missile Defense is desired.

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in math, engineering, or the sciences.

We offer competitive salaries commensurate with education and experience. We have an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, life, long and short-term disability insurance
• 100% Company funded Retirement Plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick pay plans
• Tuition assistance

Tecolote Research is a private, employee‑owned corporation where people are our primary resource. Our investments in technology and training give our employees the tools to ensure our clients are provided the solutions they need, and our very high employee retention rate and stable workforce is an added value to our customers. Apply now to connect with a company that invests in you.

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