A Program Manager manages ongoing program activity or a group of related projects for a company or organization. Responsibilities include developing program plans, defining project objectives, allocating resources, managing budgets, and monitoring program progress. They may work in production, administration, advertising/marketing, human resources, technology, finance, and other technical areas such as engineering.
Job Summary Overview Senior Acquisition Strategy SME (USSF / SSC)
LOCATION
El Segundo, CA
JOB STATUS
Full-time
CLEARANCE
Active TS clearance; SCI eligible with in-scope investigation (T5/SSBI)
CERTIFICATION
DAWIA/APDP Level III, PMP, or PgMP (preferred)
TRAVEL:
As Needed SALARY:
$185,000 - $230,000 Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Acquisition Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Space Systems Command (SSC) in El Segundo, CA. This position provides high-level acquisition strategy, planning, and advisory support across space-based mission areas, working directly with senior leadership to shape program direction, acquisition approaches, and source selection activities. This is a high-visibility, strategic role requiring deep experience across the DoD acquisition lifecycle, Headquarters-level coordination, and space system program execution.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or related field Minimum of 15 years of experience in DoD acquisition management and planning Experience supporting both operational units and Headquarters Staff organizations (or equivalent) Demonstrated expertise in developing acquisition strategies and supporting source selections Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle (ACAT I-III) and milestone decision processes Experience with DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles (PPBE) Understanding of USSF policy and doctrine, including service, combatant command, and interagency relationships Familiarity with Congressional Defense Committees and related processes Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities U.S. Citizenship required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
Master's degree in systems engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field Experience supporting Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) or related space mission areas Prior experience supporting Pentagon, major command (MAJCOM), or Headquarters-level organizations Previous role as an evaluator or advisor on source selection boards (SSEB/SSAC) Familiarity with Confluence, JIRA, or similar collaboration tools
DAWIA/APDP
Level III certification in Program Management or equivalent Experience leading diverse teams and working independently in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide strategic acquisition planning and advisory support across SSC mission areas Develop, assess, and refine acquisition strategies for space-based systems and programs Support and advise on source selection activities, including evaluation criteria and documentation Assess and evaluate program acquisition documentation (e.g., acquisition strategies, RFPs, CDRLs) Provide recommendations to leadership on program execution, risk, and acquisition approach Support PPBE activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and program alignment Interface with senior leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders, including interagency partners Coordinate across Headquarters, MAJCOM, and program-level organizations to ensure alignment of acquisition efforts Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, and decision support materials Provide insight into policy, doctrine, and legislative considerations impacting acquisition programs Lead or support cross-functional teams in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments Perform additional duties as required #CJ Job Description Overview Senior Acquisition Strategy SME (USSF / SSC)
LOCATION
El Segundo, CA
JOB STATUS
Full-time
CLEARANCE
Active TS clearance; SCI eligible with in-scope investigation (T5/SSBI)
CERTIFICATION
DAWIA/APDP Level III, PMP, or PgMP (preferred)
TRAVEL:
As Needed SALARY:
$185,000 - $230,000 Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Acquisition Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the Space Systems Command (SSC) in El Segundo, CA. This position provides high-level acquisition strategy, planning, and advisory support across space-based mission areas, working directly with senior leadership to shape program direction, acquisition approaches, and source selection activities. This is a high-visibility, strategic role requiring deep experience across the DoD acquisition lifecycle, Headquarters-level coordination, and space system program execution.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, Business, or related field Minimum of 15 years of experience in DoD acquisition management and planning Experience supporting both operational units and Headquarters Staff organizations (or equivalent) Demonstrated expertise in developing acquisition strategies and supporting source selections Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle (ACAT I-III) and milestone decision processes Experience with DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles (PPBE) Understanding of USSF policy and doctrine, including service, combatant command, and interagency relationships Familiarity with Congressional Defense Committees and related processes Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities U.S. Citizenship required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS
Master's degree in systems engineering, Software Engineering, or related technical field Experience supporting Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) or related space mission areas Prior experience supporting Pentagon, major command (MAJCOM), or Headquarters-level organizations Previous role as an evaluator or advisor on source selection boards (SSEB/SSAC) Familiarity with Confluence, JIRA, or similar collaboration tools
DAWIA/APDP
Level III certification in Program Management or equivalent Experience leading diverse teams and working independently in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide strategic acquisition planning and advisory support across SSC mission areas Develop, assess, and refine acquisition strategies for space-based systems and programs Support and advise on source selection activities, including evaluation criteria and documentation Assess and evaluate program acquisition documentation (e.g., acquisition strategies, RFPs, CDRLs) Provide recommendations to leadership on program execution, risk, and acquisition approach Support PPBE activities, including budgeting, financial planning, and program alignment Interface with senior leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders, including interagency partners Coordinate across Headquarters, MAJCOM, and program-level organizations to ensure alignment of acquisition efforts Prepare and deliver executive-level briefings, reports, and decision support materials Provide insight into policy, doctrine, and legislative considerations impacting acquisition programs Lead or support cross-functional teams in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments Perform additional duties as required #CJ
