Astrion · 16 hours ago
Senior Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME)
El Segundo, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$180K/yr - $230K/yr
20+ years expAstrion is seeking a highly skilled Acquisition Subject Matter Expert to assist the government Flag level Director/Deputy Director with Acquisition Management and Strategic Planning Support in the Space Systems Command. The Senior Acquisition SME will provide high-level coordination and strategic insight across the acquisition lifecycle, ensuring programs are positioned for successful execution and enabling leadership to make informed decisions.
ManufacturingSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Supporting senior SSC and Space Force leadership with strategic acquisition insight, program execution oversight, and decision support
Serving as senior liaison between the PAE office, program offices, technical teams, contracting, financial management, and industry partners
Assessing the maturity, completeness, and readiness of acquisition strategies, plans, and supporting documentation for leadership review and approval
Providing informed recommendations on program structure, execution approach, and acquisition timing
Identifying execution risks, misalignment, or gaps across programs and recommending actionable mitigation strategies
Advising on software-intensive and classified space acquisition efforts, including ACAT-like programs
Supporting leadership preparation for Defense Acquisition Boards, and milestone decisions
Reviewing and advising on acquisition elements such as AoAs, ASPs, ASDs, J&As, RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, and incentive structures, with emphasis on coherence and executability
Contributing to executive-level briefings, decision papers, and strategic communications
Performing high-level business case, schedule, and risk assessments to inform leadership decisions
Providing senior advisory support during technical evaluations
Qualification
Required
Minimum of 20 years of experience in DoD or comparable acquisition environments, with demonstrated senior-level program and portfolio exposure
Deep understanding of ACAT I-III program structures, milestone decision processes, and lifecycle progression (pre-Milestone A through Milestone C)
Proven ability to evaluate acquisition strategies, documentation readiness, and execution risk rather than solely developing artifacts
Strong working knowledge of DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles
Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments and advise senior leaders
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive briefings and strategic messaging
Strong analytical judgment and problem-solving capabilities, particularly in identifying execution risks and recommending corrective actions
Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or a related field
Active TS clearance, SCI-eligible, with an in-scope background investigation (T5 or SSBI)
U.S. citizenship required
Preferred
Master's degree in relevant science, engineering, or systems discipline
Prior experience serving as a senior advisor or evaluator on at least one source selection
Familiarity with Confluence and JIRA in program or portfolio management environments
Certifications such as DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, and/or PgMP
Prior Pentagon or major headquarters experience
Working understanding of Congressional Defense Committees and their influence on acquisition decision-making
Company
Astrion
Astrion is a provider of mission support and advanced engineering services.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
David Zolet
Chief Executive Officer
Dalia Khanafseh
Senior Vice President, Transformation
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