SPA has an immediate need for a Project Technical & Acquisition Systems Engineer.

Seeking a highly motivated candidate to support a technical defense program with technical, programmatic, and staff experience; operational experience desired. The ideal candidate will support prototype development, maturation, and fielding; experience and expertise across capability development lifecycle required. This position requires technical education, training, and/or expertise in the areas of networking and data protocols, secure system design, interoperability, encryption standards and technologies, and/or understanding of associated field applications (such as reliability, survivability, and resiliency of military communications for various concepts of operations at tactical and operational echelons).

Program Management Support Duties:

Assist government Program Managers (PMs) in development and execution across the program lifecycle (i.e. from concept development to service transition).

• Support development and execution of acquisition strategies.
• Develop and maintain program schedules, milestone trackers, and risk management frameworks.
• Coordinate and facilitate performer program reviews, technical exchange meetings, and stakeholder working groups.
• Prepare/create materials in support of internal program reviews, concept development decision processes, etc.
• Prepare/create technical and executive briefings for varied audiences (internal and external).

Ensure program security and protection measures are defined, implemented, and adhered to in coordination with Program Security Representative(s).

• Provide critical program information (CPI) and inputs for program security classification guides (SCGs).
• Ensure security guidance is propagated to and followed by program performers and stakeholders throughout program lifecycle.

Financial and Contract Management

• Budget forecasting and allocation to performers.
• Prepare funding requests and associated documents.
• Track obligations and expenditures to ensure compliance with financial metrics.
• Prepare and review program documentation, such as Statements of Work (SOW), program work statements, and technical requirements documents.
• Track program budget execution, monitor performer spending, and analyze to inform program plan and identify programmatic and technical impacts.

Performer oversight and management

• Facilitate clear and consistent communication to ensure performer efforts are aligned with government requirements and program milestones.
• Advise and assist performers with program management, planning, schedule.
• Manage weekly battle rhythm of TEMs, update calls, etc.
• Plan and manage program reviews.
• Review all performer deliverables and provide feedback.

Test and event planning, oversight and management

• Interface with Government POCs for test events and exercises.
• Provide inputs and review test documentation (test plans, test cards, checklists, AARs, etc.).
• Lead planning efforts in preparation for test events and exercises.
• Plan for and manage security requirements for events (data handling, IATT, physical security).
• Provide execution oversight during test events.

Technical & Integration Support Duties:

• Provide technical review, analysis, and clarification on specific areas of expertise.
• Provide general systems engineering oversight and recommendations.
• Provide technical expertise and assessment of performer prototype development to inform government decisions.
• Support definition and management of system integration requirements, configuration management, interface control documents (ICDs), and API specifications.
• Support the government team in designing and executing technology demonstrations, pilot programs, and operationally relevant test and evaluation activities.

Required Qualifications

• Active TS/SCI security clearance at time of application
• MA/MS degree in a relevant field
• 10+ years of training and/or expertise in the areas of networking and data protocols, secure system design, interoperability, encryption standards and technologies, and/or understanding of associated field applications (such as reliability, survivability, and resiliency of military communications for various concepts of operations at tactical and operational echelons)
• Proficient in MS PowerPoint, Project, Excel and Word
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work with and lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced dynamic environment
• Expertise as a senior level program analyst capable of working independently and quickly synthesizing technical and program management information into concise, actionable, and compelling briefings and documentation
• Some travel expected, up to 10% to 20%
• Able to work full time in a Chantilly VA office within SCIF/SAPF spaces

Desired Qualifications

• Operational experience in the areas of signals intelligence, electromagnetic spectrum operations, or similar battlefield/tactical missions
• Proficient in program management (PMP Cert and/or DAWIA PM Level II) with ability to plan, develop, and refine scope of work, work breakdown structures, and cost estimates highly desired)