Technical Acquisition and Contracts Specialist

About the role

The Acquisition Planning and Decision Analytics (APDA) Department is seeking a Senior Acquisition and Systems Engineer to join a diverse, innovative, and highly productive team of acquisition and systems engineering professionals.

Responsibilities

• Advise key stakeholders and government customers by conducting cradle-to-grave contract support, risk management, and contract support activities to communicate contract administration, compliance, and oversight activities, best practices and lessons learned.
• Collaborate with government program office customers, stakeholders, and colleagues to provide agile, responsive, and decisive advice on diverse and innovative contracting strategies.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in project/program/portfolio planning and resolving complex contract issues, focusing on clear communication and relationship management.
• Develop recommendations for complex contractual matters, contracts strategy, vendor relationship management, risk assessments and mitigation plans.
• Support modernization of capabilities to better manage, integrate, and share data across the subdivision and ensure the implementation of technical and operational best practices and lessons learned.
• Host educational workshops, brown-bag lunch sessions, and training programs to promote knowledge sharing.
• Develop and deliver accurate and timely reports and presentations that clearly communicate results and solutions to support critical decisions.

Requirements

• Senior Engineering Specialist: Bachelor’s degree
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in space-related acquisition and systems engineering
• Previous experience leading highly technical project teams
• Contracts management understanding to support the Contract Lifecycle from proposal preparation and strategy through submittal, negotiations, execution, and closeout
• Experienced with Government (FAR / DFAR) contracting: Fixed Price (FP), Time & Material (T&M), Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Level of Effort (LOE), Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) type contracts
• Experience with non-FAR based instruments such as Other Transaction Agreements, Grants, and/or Cooperative Agreements
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across corporate staff, peers, management, program offices, customers, and contractors
• Excellent communications skills, both written and oral
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes excellence and collaboration
• Willing to travel domestically up to 10%
• Current TS /SCI Clearance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Engineering or STEM related field
• Advanced degree from an accredited program in Engineering or law
• Contract Management certifications to include Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM), Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), and Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM)
• Prior leadership or management experience, particularly in source selections and acquisition and systems engineering processes
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all organizational levels
• Knowledge of government (e.g., DoD, NRO, NASA) acquisition and systems engineering policies and practices, space systems, and advanced space technologies
• Familiarity with systems engineering and acquisition concepts
• Recognition as a subject matter expert through publications, presentations, or contributions to the professional community
• Certification in acquisition and/or contracts management recognized professional societies (e.g., INCOSE, DAU, NCMA, PMI)

Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Experience with contract management and negotiation
• Knowledge of space systems and advanced technologies

Benefits

Competitive compensation package, including a range of $151,300.00 - $226,900.00 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. Additional benefits include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect