Senior Acquisition Lead

Overview

Senior Acquisition Lead
LOCATION: El Segundo, CA (On-site)

JOB STATUS: Full Time
CLEARANCE: Secret (active or ability to obtain)
SALARY: $162,000 - $190,000

Astrion is seeking a Senior Acquisition Lead to join our MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) team, supporting the U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC). This role provides senior-level expertise in acquisition strategy, contracting, budgeting, and program execution for next-generation satellite communications (SATCOM) systems.

As a trusted advisor to government leadership, you will shape acquisition strategies, guide source selections, resolve program risks, and deliver actionable recommendations that drive mission success.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Active Secret clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).
• Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of acquisition/program management experience in DoD programs.
• Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, contracting, and financial management.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with ability to brief senior leaders.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Experience managing ACAT I-III programs.
• Prior role as an advisor/evaluator in a source selection.
• Familiarity with Confluence, JIRA, and modern collaboration tools.
• Certifications: DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, or PgMP.
• Experience with MILSATCOM systems (AEHF, EPS, WGS, Tactical SATCOM, COMSATCOM).
• Experience working with military and DoD civilian clients.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise government program managers and senior Space Force leaders on acquisition strategies, contracting, and budgeting.
• Provide expertise in software and space system acquisition, including classified ACAT programs.
• Develop and coordinate documentation for Defense Acquisition Boards, source selections, and solicitation planning (RFPs, SOWs, CDRLs, etc.).
• Lead and mentor acquisition and systems engineering professionals.
• Conduct schedule management, risk assessments, and business case analyses for DoD programs.
• Draft and deliver briefings, reports, and strategic communications to leadership.
• Identify program execution challenges and propose strategic solutions.

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