5-10 years of experience in software acquisition or related fields
Strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework and DoW Software Acquisition Pathway
Experience in developing acquisition strategies for embedded systems or command and control programs
Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Other Transaction Authority (OTAs)
Experience in at least two areas such as DevSecOps, Agile methodologies, or AI integration
Relevant education: BS with 10 years, MS with 8 years, or PhD with 5 years in a related field
War Acquisition University certification is a plus
Responsibilities
Collaborate with DoW acquisition programs to develop modern acquisition strategies
Identify and address software-related policy needs across programs
Research implications of emerging software technologies
Work with technical teams to transition innovations into DoW programs
Synthesize data to inform strategies and policy recommendations
Develop approaches to apply innovations beyond DoW contexts
Benefits
Comprehensive health and wellness programs
Generous paid time off and holidays
Professional development opportunities
Flexible work arrangements
Retirement savings plans with employer contributions
Full Job Description
About the role
We're seeking an acquisition innovator to join our team of high-performing, highly experienced professionals and researchers to shape the development of forward-thinking DoW software acquisition policy and practice. If you have experience in modern DoW software acquisitions and are a creative thinker who can seek solutions to complex challenges, we'd love to meet you.
As a Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist at the SEI, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with DoW policy teams and programs, leading and participating on client and research teams that are focused on solving the toughest software acquisition challenges. In this position, you'll be part of a mission-focused culture of collaboration, transparency, and delivering timely, high-quality, high-impact work. We are leading the way in establishing acquisition approaches for advanced software technologies and methods.
What you'll do
Collaborate with and advise DoW acquisition programs on the development and execution of acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)
Proactively work with stakeholders from across the acquisition enterprise to identify and address software-related policy needs both in and across programs
Research the acquisition implications of emerging software technologies and methods
Collaborate with technical teams across the SEI to identify and execute on opportunities to transition the SEI's technical innovations into DoW acquisition programs
Abstract and synthesize data and experiences to inform programmatic strategies, research projects, and policy recommendations
Develop approaches to apply innovations into contexts beyond the DoW
Who you are
You have strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, with recent direct experience applying the DoW Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87), as well as other accelerated/innovative acquisition approaches for software-enabled capabilities.
You have experience developing and executing acquisition strategies in embedded systems or command and control (C2) programs.
You have good understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and use of Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), with experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
You have experience in at least two of the following areas, in DoW acquisitions:
DevSecOps or software factories
Agile software methodologies
Digital engineering and model-based systems engineering
Modern test and evaluation methodologies
Integrating AI capabilities or systems
DoW contract and financial planning and integrated performance management
You may also have a War Acquisition University certification in a field supporting software acquisition
You are a collaborative problem solver.
You communicate clearly and can adapt your communication style to different audiences.
You are eager to work on diverse problems with multiple factors that require analysis, innovation, creativity, and evaluation.
You deliver high-quality work and care about the impact of your work.
You have a combination of relevant education and experience: BS in a software-related, quantitative/analytical, or acquisition-relevant field with 10 years' experience; MS in the same fields with 8 years' experience; or PhD in those fields with 5 years' experience.
You are able to:
You're willing to travel (approximately 25%) outside your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
Pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
Location Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA Job Function Software/Applications Development/Engineering Position Type Staff - Regular Full Time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Salary More Information:
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About Carnegie Mellon University
Carnegie Mellon University is a private research university that was founded in 1900. The university is located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is known for its programs in computer science, engineering, and the arts. Carnegie Mellon has a diverse student body and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields. The university has a strong focus on research and has partnerships with a number of companies and organizations. Carnegie Mellon is consistently ranked among the top universities in the United States.
