Senior Acquisition Specialist

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

We remain committed to maintaining a safe environment for hiring as we look forward to the future of work. Click here for information on Aerospace's COVID-19 directives and safety procedures implemented to keep our workplace safe.

Job Summary

The Systems Engineering Division (SED) provides unmatched experience in systems engineering to the U.S. government and to numerous public and private agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, consortia, and commercial companies involved in the advanced application of space technology. From systems architecture development to system analysis and optimization, astrodynamics, orbital debris, navigation, failure analysis, mission assurance, cost and schedule assessment, and economic market analysis, SED exploits an incredibly broad array of engineering and business disciplines against a diverse and dynamic portfolio of programs and national challenges.

The Agile Systems Engineering, Planning and Analysis (ASEPA) Department concentrates on delivering acquisition and systems engineering planning expertise and products to form a sound basis for space, ground, and launch system programs acquisition lifecycle activities for the USSF, NASA, NOAA, Intelligence Community (IC) and other Agencies .

What You’ll Be Doing

• Partner with Aerospace colleagues, customer personnel , and contractor personnel on multiple concurrent projects to assist customer s in making timely informed acquisition decisions for delivering space, ground, launch systems and services focused on addressing mission challenge s

• Employ systems engineering and acquisition expertise to develop innovative, fit-to-need program approaches with supporting analytical planning products to improve acquisition planning and execution outcomes

• Interface with Corporate and Customer organizations in performing pre-award program functions, to include system requirements and concept of operations development, analysis of alternatives, project implementation planning, acquisition documentation development, and source selection support

• Perform independent program assessments and provide objective analysis of space, ground, and launch system acquisition and systems engineering efforts

• Lead or participate in studies to research acquisition-related topics, including defining and designing studies, performing literature research, conducting interviews, performing analysis, and presenting results.

• Lead or participate in systems engineering analysis in the areas of requirements development and decomposition , architecture, system integration design and effectiveness , verification, and validation; readiness; risk and opportunity management; schedule; technology planning and insertion; and performance assessment

• Apply technical expertise and harness innovation accelerate to enable mission success and agility
  

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in engineering, management sciences, computer or information systems, or related STEM field

• 12 years of collective experience in project management, acquisition , systems engineering , or systems development

• Demonstrated experience supporting early systems definition, architecture-level tradeoffs, project planning, requirements definition and program reviews for space and ground systems

• Experience translating technical and programmatic information into acquisition risk assessments and providing guidance on acquisition approaches to avoid minimize acquisition risk

• Experience in developing or assessing space system acquisition strategies

• Familiarity with systems acquisition management disciplines, including but not limited to financial management and contracting

• Familiarity with USSF and IC acquisition policies; space systems and advanced space technologies

• Demonstrated ability to develop project plans, identify high-impact deliverables, and manage schedule commitments

• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
  

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Advanced degree from an accredited program in a relevant field

• Government or commercial space operations and /or Government acquisition experience

• Demonstrated experience in systems engineering, other engineering disciplines, Agile software development, digital acquisition, digital engineering, government acquisition, contracting, financial management, and schedule management

• Demonstrated ability to develop, deploy, and explain analytic frameworks that facilitate data-driven acquisitions decisions

• Desire and ability to mentor junior staff

• DAWIA Program Manager Level III , PMP , or other relevant certification

Grade-Based Pay Range

(Min - Mid - Max)

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights 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

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement , as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement .