Program Acquisition Specialist

About the role

This full-time Program Acquisition Specialist and Systems Engineer role provides program acquisition support and technical systems engineering expertise to a Space Systems Integration Office within a United States Space Force environment in El Segundo, CA. The position focuses on the development, integration, and deployment of space system-of-systems capabilities, while offloading day-to-day administrative and managerial burdens from the government Program Manager. The specialist manages contractual and acquisition processes, supports technical engineering activities, and ensures that program execution remains efficient, compliant, and aligned with strategic mission objectives.

Responsibilities

• Apply systems engineering principles to support the development, integration, and deployment of space system-of-systems capabilities across a diverse portfolio of space programs.
• Analyze System-of-Systems and Federation-of-Systems solutions under operational scenarios and recommend modernization updates to enhance mission effectiveness.
• Perform trade studies and assessments of candidate mission systems and recommend changes to surface, air, and space systems based on technical and operational considerations.
• Design, develop, and test critical software applications throughout all phases of product development and operational deployment, ensuring reliability and mission readiness.
• Collaborate with systems engineers and government customers to define lifecycle requirements and ensure robust software design using a test-driven development approach.
• Directly manage and execute administrative processes across the acquisition lifecycle, including requirements definition, market research, post-award contract modifications, and contract closeout.
• Prepare, review, and manage acquisition documentation to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and maintain a complete and accurate repository of contractual records.
• Manage program schedules, track milestones, and monitor deliverables to keep leadership informed and ensure the contract remains on schedule and within scope.
• Prepare regular performance reports and status updates to provide clear visibility into program progress, risks, and issues for government leadership.
• Administer program budget tracking, prepare financial reports, and maintain detailed expenditure records in support of the government Program Manager.
• Act as a primary technical and administrative point of contact, facilitating communication and ensuring alignment between government personnel, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate with mission operations, technology support, and customer-facing teams to ensure seamless execution of program objectives and responsive customer service.
• Support the development and use of digital engineering tools, including the functional installation, setup, and maintenance of modeling and simulation software within a digital engineering environment.
• Contribute to Model Based Systems Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, and Digital Engineering activities in support of U.S. Space Force mission needs.
• Adapt to and utilize DevSecOps practices and modern software engineering principles where applicable to improve software quality and delivery.
• Travel as required to support program reviews, stakeholder meetings, and mission-related activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Earth Science, Mathematics, Operations Analysis, or a related field.
• 2–5 years of relevant professional experience, with flexibility for candidates demonstrating strong applicable experience.
• Active Top Secret / SCI clearance.
• Experience providing acquisition support or program support within a complex technical or defense environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, with the ability to adapt quickly to new analytical tools.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills for effective interaction with government personnel and contractors.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex tasks in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience with mission operations, customer-facing support, or technology support in a structured program environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with space acquisition in a military, contractor, or Department of Defense civilian role, particularly as a Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) provider.
• Familiarity with the Department of Defense acquisition lifecycle and associated processes and documentation.
• Knowledge of DevSecOps practices and modern software engineering principles, including test-driven development.
• Experience with government mission areas related to kill chain engineering and associated operational concepts.
• Experience supporting Model Based Systems Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, and Digital Engineering initiatives.
• Background in space systems, system-of-systems engineering, or federation-of-systems concepts.
• Strong customer service orientation and experience supporting full-cycle program activities from initiation through closeout.
• Industry knowledge of space acquisition support and supply chain considerations in a national security context.
• Interest in long-term, stable roles with opportunities for transition from contract to full-time employment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a classified setting at an Air Force Base in El Segundo, CA, working directly in support of United States Space Force and national security space efforts. You will operate within a secure, mission-focused environment that emphasizes collaboration with government personnel, contractors, and cross-functional engineering teams. The position involves working with digital engineering tools, modeling and simulation software, and standard office productivity applications to support space system development and integration. The schedule is full-time and may require occasional travel for meetings, reviews, and mission activities. The environment offers a stable role with a strong pathway for transition from contract to long-term employment, and provides exposure to cutting-edge space systems, modern software engineering practices, and the broader Space Systems Command enterprise.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $50.00 – $75.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)