Acquisition Specialist, NSIC

The United States Space Force (USSF) National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio is searching for an Acquisition Specialist (GG-1101-12).

Description:

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in advancing our nation's space intelligence capabilities? The National Space Intelligence Center (NSIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, is seeking a highly skilled Acquisition Specialist to oversee the vital services, commodities, and programs that directly drive space operations, force modernization, and national security policy. Positioned at the heart of our mission execution, you will manage a diverse acquisition portfolio essential for delivering world-class intelligence on adversary space and counterspace threats. Your daily impact will involve generating precise service acquisition requirements, driving cost and schedule efficiencies, and collaborating with cross-functional experts in contracting, engineering, and logistics. By translating complex technical needs into actionable, compliant acquisition strategies, you will serve as a key advisor to leadership. If you are a collaborative, proactive problem-solver with a strong background in program management and a passion for protecting the space domain, we invite you to join our team of Guardians.

The ideal candidate is a proactive and highly organized professional with comprehensive expertise in systems acquisition and program management, grounded in a deep understanding of DoD, Air Force, and Intelligence Community policies and missions. They possess robust business and industrial knowledge, with proven experience executing Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) duties to expertly oversee contract execution, evaluating deliverables, and serve as the vital technical liaison between the government and contractors. Exceptional at managing critical aspects of research, development, and production programs, this candidate leverages strong interpersonal and communication skills to build collaborative relationships and clearly articulate complex technical details to diverse audiences. Highly qualified candidates will bring a passionate drive for innovation and continuous process improvement, complemented by a bachelor's or master’s degree in business, STEM, or a related field, practical experience in acquisition disciplines like engineering or finance, and professional certifications such as a PMP or government equivalent in program or contract management.

Key Skills and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of laws, principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition and program management.
2. Knowledge of business, industrial management, contracting procedures, technical concepts, and production practices to evaluate contractor proposals and activities.
3. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the Department of Defense, Air Force, and other entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence the systems acquisition process and integrated life cycle management.
4. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
5. Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with individuals and groups within the office as well as outside the immediate work unit.
6. Ability to plan, organize, and manage critical aspects of research, development, production, and support of subsystems or equipment, and integrate, analyze, and manage a variety of acquisition functions and personnel in support of the process.

Requirements:

1. Must be a U.S. Citizen.
2. Employee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret clearance.
3. This position is covered by the DCIPS, and as such will subject the incumbent to those examinations and/or tests that are necessary to obtain and retain a security clearance and any special accesses required by the position in accordance with AFI 36-1101.
4. Position is designated special-sensitive and requires eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) and other intelligence-related Special Sensitive information to fully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position. A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.
5. Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program. Employee must pass initial and periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
6. This position is Acquisition Category A Level II and incumbent must meet appropriate certification requirements IA W the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DA WIA) no later than 24 months after accepting this position.
7. Financial Disclosure: Incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.
8. Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.
9. The employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.
10. Experience in Acquisition Program Management, Engineering, Logistics, Contracting or Finance is highly desirable.
11. Bachelor’s degree in business is highly desirable; Master's Degree in business is desirable.
12. The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial aircraft to perform temporary duty assignments. Prolonged periods of sitting, reading and intense data analysis are typical. This work is mostly sedentary performed in an office setting.
13. PCS is not authorized. Incentive is not authorized.
14. This position is on-site and ineligible for remote work.
15. Position will close in 5 business days or 75 applications (whichever comes first).

Organization:

The United States Space Force (USSF) is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips military members and civilians to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands (CCMDs).

The strategic importance of space can’t be overstated. Political and humanitarian interests as well as commercial concerns vital to the world economy all rely on space-based systems. Launched in 2019 as the nation’s sixth and newest military branch, the USSF was created to protect the interests and assets of America and its allies in this heavily contested realm. The Department of War relies on satellites and advanced space-based technology for secure communications, navigation, real-time reconnaissance, precision targeting on the battlefield, early warning of potential missile launches, and even weather forecasting. Guardians and civilians of the USSF are challenged every day to reach new heights in protecting and amplifying these space-based capabilities and defending our way of life by maintaining our edge in space.

The Space Force wants to attract talent with the character and potential to excel, empower them with information and choices, and develop them in line with their desires and the Space Force’s needs to create a high-performing organization necessary to secure and defend space. Please review the new Guardian Ideal to learn more about the new talent culture within the new U.S. Space Force, as we have a chance to make history and rewrite some of the rules—we hope you are excited about the opportunities this will present!