Program Acquisition Specialist

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Program Acquisition Specialist to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF) in the development, deployment, and sustainment of the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP). This role is embedded within the Space Systems Command's Space Domain Awareness and Combat Power Directorate, located in El Segundo, CA.

*THIS ROLES REQUIRES AN ACTIVE TS/SCI SECURITY CLEARANCE*

This position requires deep expertise in Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition processes and documentation. You will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders including Program Managers, Contracting Officers, Systems Engineers, and external partners on a daily basis.

What You'll Do

• Provide strategic guidance to the Program Manager and senior Space Force leadership on acquisition strategy, contracting, budgeting, and program execution
• Develop and coordinate acquisition planning documents and briefings (including ESIS, ASP, ASD, J&A, etc.)
• Prepare and support solicitation documentation and processes (RFPs-including SOWs, CDRLs, incentive plans-Source Selection Strategies, and more)
• Create and coordinate program planning and execution documentation in alignment with or tailored from DoDI 5000.02 and relevant DoD, Air Force, and SSC policies
• Draft technical evaluations and serve as an advisory member during source selections
• Conduct technical and programmatic assessments of contractor designs and milestone reviews, evaluating progress, risks, issues, and mission readiness

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and at least 18 years of relevant experience with:
  • DoD Major Capability Acquisition processes
  • Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)
  • Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes
• A current in-scope security clearance investigation (T5 or SSBI), adjudicated for SCI eligibility and enrolled in Continuous Evaluation (as applicable)
• Willingness to be nominated for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Programs (SAP), including consent to a polygraph exam

Preferred Qualifications

• Professionally certified (e.g., PMI PMP)
• Experienced within the National Security Space sector
• Familiar with development environments and/or U.S. Government weapon system program offices

Compensation & Benefits

• Target Salary: $160,000 - $205,000
• Comprehensive Benefits: Cigna Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave if required by law, and Holidays.

Program Acquisition, DoD Acquisition, Major Capability Acquisition, JCIDS, PPBE, Space Systems Command, US Space Force, GSSAP, Space Domain Awareness, SDA, Program Management, Acquisition Strategy, Contracting, Budget Execution, RFP Development, SOW, CDRLs, Source Selection, Technical Evaluation, Milestone Reviews, DoDI 5000.02, Systems Engineering Coordination, Government Program Office, National Security Space, Space Operations, Weapon Systems Development, Risk Assessment, Program Documentation, Stakeholder Coordination, PMP, SCI Eligibility, SAP Programs, Polygraph, Defense Procurement, Satellite Programs, Spacecraft Systems, Federal Acquisition, Acquisition Lifecycle, Program Planning, Aerospace Defense

This job opens for applications on 2/9/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.