Acquisition Program Manager

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Major duties

The United States Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) Production Corps (PC) at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California is searching for an Acquisition Program Manager (NH-1101-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: As the Chief of the Support Contracts Branch within Space Systems Command (SSC), System Delta 831, you will serve as the operational backbone for cutting-edge space acquisitions safeguarding the nation's premier Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) and Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) enterprise. In this mission-critical leadership role, you will orchestrate the Satellite Communication and Position, Navigation, and Timing (SCPNT) directorate's multi-million-dollar support contract portfolios, leading strategic source selections, advising Contracting Officers on vital actions, and serving directly as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Technical Point of Contact (TPOC). On a daily basis, you will drive acquisition velocity by collaborating with Finance and SSC Legal to coordinate Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPRs) and orchestrate complex inter-agency Support Agreements. Additionally, you will secure the operational environment by reviewing DD-254 Contract Security Classification Specifications, directing Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) evaluations, and sponsoring physical and logical personnel access (MP ICAM/CAC) for approximately 400 support contractors. Ultimately, this post demands an elite acquisition professional who can seamlessly bridge government and industry partners, solve complex contractual challenges, and turn rigorous requirements into lethal, mission-ready warfighter capability. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, space systems, business administration or a related field (master's degree is preferred). Experience in program management, acquisition, or a related discipline, preferably within the DoD or aerospace sector. Must be able to obtain DAWIA Practitioner Certification within four (4) years of job start. Knowledge of space surveillance systems, optical technologies, or similar technical domains. Proven leadership experience in managing large, complex programs or projects. Strong leadership and coordination skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Preferred Qualifications DAWIA Practitioner certification in Program Management or equivalent. Experience with systems engineering principles and practices, particularly within the space domain. Familiarity with GEODSS or other space surveillance systems (e.g., SBSS, Space Fence). Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Key Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the applicable principles, concepts, policies, and laws; functions, programs, and systems applicable to the duties of program management and material support; sources, responsibilities, and means for providing assistance and advice to resolve contracts and program management problems; and all aspects of contracts and program management contracts and support. Knowledge of government and private industry policies and practices related to business management, industrial management, financial systems, technical concepts, and production practices. Ability to gather, analyze, and evaluate a variety of program information, such as commercial business practices, market conditions, offer acceptability, contractor acceptability, contractor responsibility and/or performance to determine acquisition strategy and sources. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the Department of War, Air Force, and entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence management control of proposed and ongoing service contracts. Knowledge of methods of supervision to hold others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the functions of a unit and mentor, motivate, and appraise subordinate staff. Determine objectives, make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions, set priorities, cause change, and accomplish organizational goals. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, with technical accuracy and to use computers and a variety of software programs and databases, gather and analyze a variety of program information, make sound judgments concerning program progress, and effectively communicate recommendations orally and in writing to higher organizational management and contractors.

Qualifications

The 1101 series does not have an individual occupational requirement that must be met. You can view the experience level requirements here. Please scroll down to the 3rd section titled Administrative and Management Positions.