Space RCO Program Management & Acquisition Support

About the role

Provide System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) to the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The Space RCO program office, located at Kirtland AFB, NM, is a small, streamlined organization with dedicated, organic acquisition support functions—contracting, financial management, human resources, security, program management, and technical engineering support—that enable rapid response for classified space programs. The mission is to develop and deliver operationally dominant space capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance in response to Commander, U.S. Space Command requirements.

A successful candidate will be a leader and problem solver with a proven ability to deliver superior results as part of a high-performing team in a high-profile, fast-paced environment. You will work in a small, highly empowered team where every member is directly responsible for program success. Engineering responsibilities span technology domains including space-rated hardware, software, sensors, and processors in an extremely fast-paced, responsive development environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide in-depth test background on satellite vehicle bus, subsystems, and/or ground systems to improve program office insight into state-of-the-art commercial and legacy mission systems, and C2 requirements and capabilities.
• Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts for highly classified systems while effectively communicating complex results with management and executive leadership.
• Serve as program advisory lead for time-critical technical projects, test projects, or tasks requiring appropriate technical and project management expertise.
• Coordinate and facilitate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and verify program needs and develop solutions and timelines to meet project goals.
• Assist acquisition planning, market research, and drafting technical requirements and documents.
• Help the government assess the technical sufficiency, cost, quality, and timely delivery of program deliverables.
• Confer with engineers to provide technical advice and assist with problem resolution as needed.
• Support management and execution of programs consisting of multiple projects—ensure overall program is properly coordinated and efficiently accomplished with the best available resources.
• Draft, review, and edit final program reports, documents, and briefings.
• Support acquisition planning and development of documents required for systems acquisition.
• Coordinate with external agencies including operational units, higher headquarters, Combatant Command (COCOM) staffs, other acquisition activities, and research and development functions. Produce, track, and coordinate all agreements and documentation necessary for SpRCO systems to transition seamlessly into a framework for organizing, training, and equipping the United States Space Force.
• Support and advise acquisition and program management functions; advise government management on design challenges, delivery, and integration; and support system program reviews.
• Work on high-visibility or mission-critical aspects of a given program and perform all functional duties independently.
• Translate complex ideas and data into simple, actionable recommendations or easily differentiated courses of action.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy—both oral and written.

Requirements

• Minimum ten (10) years of DoD/IC or relevant industry work experience.
• Proven experience and/or qualifications in testing satellite systems.
• Understanding of operational environment and corresponding mission user needs.
• Knowledge of space system engineering, development, and manufacturing.
• Experience with Developmental Test or Operational Test at Service or Command level.
• Experience in DoD program management including program development and transition.
• Experience with Integrated Master Schedules and risk management.
• Experience with Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance Work Statements (PWS).

Qualifications

• An applicable engineering degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Relevant MA/MS/ME degree (desired).

Desired Skills

• Graduate from formal test and evaluation long course (USAF TPS, USN TPS, EMPIRE, EPNER).
• System Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) experience in a Government program office.
• Experience with rapid prototyping.
• Experience with integrated air, space, and cyberspace capabilities.
• Experience developing, deploying, and maintaining ground mission planning architecture and software.
• Experience with DoD ACAT I/II level acquisition programs.
• Experience with Developmental Test and Operational Test at Service and Command level.
• Experience in planning and executing test campaigns for space systems.
• Fluency with IC organizations.

Clearance

• Active TOP SECRET clearance with sensitive compartmentalized information (SCI) and special access program (SAP) eligibility.
• No less than two (2) years total SAP and/or SCI environment experience, with at least one year within the last five years.
• Must maintain a TS/SCI clearance as a condition of employment and willingness to submit to a Counter-Intelligence polygraph.

Schedule

This position is full-time, on-site at Kirtland AFB, NM, and will require travel up to 25% of the time within the continental United States.