What are the responsibilities and job description for the Services acquisition manager position at F-35 Joint Program Office?
Company Description The F-35 Lightning II Program is the Department of Defense’s central effort to deliver affordable, next-generation strike aircraft weapon systems for the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and allied nations. As one of the most advanced defense programs in the world, it integrates cutting-edge technologies to shape the battlespace of the future. The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) oversees the lifecycle of the platform, including development, acquisition, and sustainment. Team members collaborate with multiple services, international partners, and industry leaders to ensure mission readiness and long-term capability. Working at the F-35 JPO offers an opportunity to contribute directly to national security and global defense cooperation.
Role Description The Services Acquisition Manager is a full-time, on-site position located in Arlington, VA. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing services acquisitions that support the F-35 program, including development, sustainment, logistics, and technical support contracts. Day-to-day tasks include developing acquisition strategies, preparing procurement documentation, coordinating with internal stakeholders and external partners, overseeing source selection activities, and monitoring contractor performance to ensure cost, schedule, and quality objectives are met. The Services Acquisition Manager will collaborate with program management, legal, finance, and technical teams to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and policies. The role also involves identifying process improvements, managing risk, and providing clear, data-informed recommendations to leadership.
Qualifications
- Experience in government or defense acquisition, contracting, or procurement, including developing acquisition strategies and managing service contracts.
- Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and related DoD acquisition policies and procedures.
- Strong analytical and planning abilities, including skills in requirements definition, cost and schedule analysis, risk management, and performance monitoring.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to prepare clear documentation, brief leadership, and coordinate across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple concurrent efforts, and meet deadlines.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, acquisition, management, engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or professional acquisition certifications (e.g., DAWIA, FAC-C) are beneficial.
- Experience working with or within the Department of Defense, a military service, or a major defense program is highly desirable.
- Ability to meet any applicable security clearance requirements and eligibility standards for work on U.S. defense programs.