Senior Space Acquisition Specialist

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted. 

The Space and Intelligence Division provides professional services to the US Space Force, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and NASA. Our work includes enterprise architectural assessments, systems engineering and integration, test, planning and execution, cost estimating and analysis, acquisition support, and cybersecurity.  We are trusted partners developing approaches and concepts to meet emerging high priority needs, assessing cutting-edge technologies, and supporting capabilities for our National Defense.  Come join the fastest growing Division at Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc.!

The Space Systems Group (SSG), part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, provides timely and objective assessments and recommendations integrating technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on our key clients in the Space community including the US Space Force’s Space Systems Command (USSF/SSC), one of the three designated Field Commands under USSF. We work tirelessly to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command.  We provide clear and consistent analysis and recommendations which are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while balancing the ability to  execute on time and on budget within the technical communities. Come join an organization responsible for being a key enabler of Spacepower!

SPA has a future need for a Senior Space Acquisition Specialist.

The successful candidate will support the Space Systems Command’s Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) organization (SSC/BZ), which defines and manages integrated system-of-systems space capabilities to deliver resilient space enterprise and effective warfighter capability.  BZ provides enterprise governance and programming, requirements integration and strategy, and intelligence and system of system engineering across the Space Force with our allies, mission partners and warfighting commands. You will provide acquisition and strategic planning support to SSC/BZ senior leaders.  This position interacts with the O-6, DISES, and HQE Leadership team on a daily basis. 

Key duties associated with this position include:  Apply critical thinking and experience to develop solutions for our customer’s most challenging issues. Develop strategic messaging and communication products that support a wide variety of stakeholders and senior leaders. Analyze and advise the government on various phases of the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process (PPBE). Manage information requests, inquiries, and tasks through completion including facilitating coordination with internal/external stakeholders and staffing products for review/approval.  Will perform research and analysis that summarize relevant issues, incorporate policy and guidance, addresses government, industry, and international partner perspectives to provide recommendations and/or potential courses of action.  Support customer meetings, which includes producing read-ahead materials, drafting meeting minutes and tracking assigned action items, providing logistical support to include submitting/tracking visit requests and distributing meeting information.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship with an active TS/SCI clearance, SAP-eligible
• Bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or related field
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in DoD or comparable acquisition environments with demonstrated senior-level program and portfolio exposure
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high-visibility, time-sensitive environments and advise senior leaders
• Strong working knowledge of DoD contracting, budgeting, and financial management principles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive briefings and strategic messaging
• Strong understanding of Systems Engineering principles and the challenges posed by complex systems-of-systems
• Strong analytical judgment and problem-solving capabilities, particularly in identifying execution risks and recommending corrective actions
• Ability to report to designated work location in El Segundo, CA, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant science, engineering, or systems discipline
• Familiarity with Confluence and JIRA in program or portfolio management environments
• Certifications such as DAWIA/APDP Program Management Level III, PMP, and/or PgMP
• Prior Pentagon or major headquarters experience
• Working understanding of Congressional Defense Committees and their influence on acquisition decision-making

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent.  Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.  

SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.  The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only.  Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.  Pay Transparency Range:  220-290k