Sr. Acquisition Strategy SME

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

What We Offer

• Competitive salaries
• Continuing education assistance
• Professional development
• Multiple healthcare benefits package options
• 401K with employer matching
• Competitive time off policy along with a federally recognized holiday schedule

Who We Are

At Astrion, we innovate, elevate, and shape the world of tomorrow. At our core is our purpose to “Be the Difference”. This means we encourage our employees to take action and be the driving force for positive change. We foster an environment where innovative solutions flourish, and our company continuously evolves.

We have a culture of care, empathy, and making a tangible difference within our organization and communities. We embrace continuous learning, growth, and innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. We promote collaboration and empowering our teams is at the core of our success.

Be the Difference

Astrion offers comprehensive services that boost preparedness, optimize performance, and ensure success across various domains, from Cyber to Digital, Mission and Systems, servicing our nation’s Civilian, Defense and Space communities. We support customers with Centers of Excellence in Washington DC, Huntsville, AL and Burlington, MA with an additional 36 locations across the U.S.

Join Astrion and Be the Difference in your career and the world!

Astrion is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.