Systems Acquisition, Principal

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MITRE's Acquisition Division, Department for Acquisition Transformation & Applied Technologies (L581) is focused on advancing the art and science of cost analysis, acquisition, and management for national security missions. Our multidisciplinary team delivers objective, data-driven insights to help government sponsors make informed decisions about resource allocation, technology investments, and acquisition strategies. By combining deep expertise in cost estimation, acquisition policy, operations research, and analytics, the Acquisition Division enables sponsors to accelerate modernization, transition emerging technologies, and solve complex management challenges. We foster collaboration across government, industry, and academia-driving innovation and shaping resilient, effective solutions for the nation's most critical missions. And above all - we bring objectivity, innovation, courage, and technical excellence to help our sponsors make the right decision.



L581 is seeking a well-connected and recognized expert on defense acquisition and innovation. The ideal candidate will be a credible authority on defense acquisition, emerging technologies, and national security processes. You will belong to a high-performing team that regularly initiates and implements projects in support of senior and executive level Sponsors' strategic initiatives within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The team will advise senior and executive-level government officials and directly support the MDA Director for Acquisition and Sustainment.

• Effectively engage and motivate sponsors, stakeholders, and the larger enterprise on acquisition modernization and agility topics ranging from acquisition policy to technology assessments, commercialization, and mission needs.
• Provide subject matter expertise on DoW acquisition practices at Joint and Service echelons, to include Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), processes applied across the defense innovation and rapid acquisition ecosystems, and advanced knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Register (FAR), Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), MDA-specific Directives and Instructions in order to inform and guide reform and transformation initiatives.
• Develop and propose innovative strategies, policies, and processes that improve MDA defense acquisition outcomes, ranging from programs, portfolios, and agency enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Contribute with impact as part of one or more integrated product teams to enable MDA to transition emerging technologies and prototypes.
• Strategically communicate internally and externally on key issues related to defense acquisition.
• Build and manage relationships between senior and executive sponsors, MITRE, and other stakeholders (Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), think tanks, Industry, academia).
• Implement Transformational Acquisition Strategies consistent with Executive orders and Department of War (DoW) guidance.

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Broad exposure and significant roles across the DoW's acquisition environment, including the innovation ecosystem.
• Possession of an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) certification at a minimum of Level II in Program Management (PM), or equivalent DAWIA certification, demonstrating validated proficiency in defense acquisition principles, program execution, and compliance or on track to achieve
• Track record of providing successful thought leadership in applying, teaching, or leading defense acquisition reform or modernization - prior experience as an acquisition professional, by itself, is not sufficient for this role.
• Experience building coalitions and communities that span multiple organizations across government and the private sector.
• Strong critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills - comfortable working in dynamic settings where task objectives may evolve or need to be shaped, or creative solutions to task impediments must be identified.
• Demonstrated ability to work in team settings, to include establishing formal or informal teams or alliances which coordinate across technical and organizational boundaries to achieve significant mission outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills as well as effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Working familiarity with all aspects of DoW Adaptative Acquisition Framework, in particular the software acquisition pathway, requirements, or resourcing processes - i.e., Defense Acquisition System (DAS), Joint Force Requirements Process (JFRP), Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes, and/or Service-specific requirements and acquisition processes.
• Ability to be onsite with the Sponsor for direct engagement and support.
• Active DoW Secret clearance
• Per the U.S Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a Security Clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 50% on-site presence.

• Have an active TS/SCI Clearance.
• Experience supporting senior, executive, and/or flag-level leadership.
• Experience working with MDA, MDA program elements, and/or the MDA acquisition process.
• Experience in developing and/or managing Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs).
• Experience working with OSW Research and Engineering and/or Acquisition and Sustainment staff.
• Experience and awareness with lines of effort and initiatives contained within the DoW Acquisition Transformation Strategy (ATS).
• Experience with performing and/or facilitating independent program assessments.
• APDP Level III (PM) or equivalent DAWIA Level III/Advanced acquisition certification or demonstrated equivalent expertise in large-scale defense acquisition leadership roles.
• Private sector experience defense, technology, or consulting industries.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain and leverage a strong professional network to provide thought leadership across the acquisition enterprise.
• Demonstrated ability leading critical acquisition modernization or reform efforts with visibility and trust at high levels of government and/or industry.

Secret


Top Secret/SCI


$157,200 - $196,500 - $235,800 Annual


Hybrid



All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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