Technical Acquisition and Software Development Advisor

Overview

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 Strategic Technology Analysis Group, part of SPA’s Space and Intelligence Division, offers sophisticated capabilities (people, process & tools) to resolve unique problems in space, cyber, and special operations in support to military services, Secretary of Defense offices (OSD) and theater warfighters.  Our portfolio includes the Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Space Acquisition & Integration (SAF/SQ), Joint Warfare Analysis Center (JWAC), Space Security and Defense Program (SSDP), National Space Defense Center (NSDC), Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), US Space Command (USSPACECOM) and US Space Force (USSF).  Come be a part of a high-speed low-drag organization providing unique and tailored solutions for our National Defense!

SPA has an immediate need for a Technical, Acquisition, & SW Development Advisor.

Responsibilities

Seeking a Senior Program Management and Agile Delivery Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) contractor to provide programmatic, technical-delivery, and strategic advisory support to a fast-paced DoW Research and Development (R&D) office.  Project EQUINOX is a high-priority initiative focused on advancing data-enabled decision capabilities, including threat analytics, resilient software systems, and interoperable data architectures supporting operational users and mission partners. The successful candidate will translate customer priorities, technical requirements, and programmatic constraints into executable plans; support technology maturation and transition; and provide disciplined oversight of cost, schedule, performance, risk, and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated experience managing multi-million-dollar R&D portfolios; developing transition roadmaps; leading Agile teams; and coordinating secure software delivery activities across government stakeholders. The candidate will support prototype maturation, test planning, resource forecasting, and transition planning from early development through operational deployment.

Strategic Program Leadership & Advisory

• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive government leadership, providing strategic insights to shape capability modeling, acquisition strategy, and technology transition plans.
• Translate complex warfighter capability gaps from Combatant Command (COCOM)s and DoD Services (countering advanced nation-state adversaries) into executable work plans, development backlogs, integrated schedules, and measurable delivery objectives.
• Lead cross-functional teams to develop value-driven program capability assessments, white papers, and rapid acquisition strategies (RFI, BAA, OTA).
• Advise government leads on scope, staffing, sequencing, and resource tradeoffs to mitigate delivery risk and inform Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities.
• Facilitate recurring stakeholder engagements, sponsor updates, and program reviews to maintain alignment across government customers, technical performers, and mission partners.

Program Execution and Agile Delivery

• Manage execution of a multi-program R&D portfolio by monitoring cost, schedule, technical performance, dependencies, and delivery risks.
• Lead and facilitate Agile planning and delivery activities across cross-functional teams that may include software engineers, data specialists, infrastructure personnel, cybersecurity practitioners, and operational stakeholders. Translate requirements into prioritized product backlogs, sprint goals, acceptance criteria, and release objectives.
• Identify, document, escalate, and track programmatic and technical risks; recommend corrective actions and support decision-making by government leadership.
• Support planning and execution of test events, including development of test plans and translation of event-specific needs into broader quality-assurance requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination & Compliance

• Facilitate complex coordination across senior government stakeholders, technical performers, and operational partners.
• Oversee programmatic technology transition compliance, integrating considerations for Joint Service technology disclosures and export compliance protocols.
• Translate highly technical data workflows into actionable intelligence strategies for executive decision-makers.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Active TS/SCI clearance at time of application
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• 10 years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Agile Delivery, Technical Program Execution, or related roles supporting DoW, federal government, or complex technology programs
• Demonstrated experience managing cost, schedule, performance, risks, deliverables, stakeholder engagements, and resource requirements for complex programs or portfolios
• Demonstrated experience leading or supporting Agile/Scrum teams including backlog management, sprint planning, Agile ceremonies, dependency management, and delivery-metric analysis
• Must possess Program Management or Agile certification(s) (e.g., SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC) or Certified Scrum Master (CSM))

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting DoW agencies or government-operated/contractor-operated information technology environments.
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping or advanced capability development programs.
• Experience operating in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments.

Pay Range Information

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. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $200,000.00/Yr. - USD $225,000.00/Yr.