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The United States Space Force (USSF) at Kirtland AFB, NM is searching for a Strategic Acquisition Management Specialist to support SSC/SYD 80 (NH-1101-03, GS 12/13 equivalent). Description: Launch Your Career into Orbit! Join the United States Space Force's premier rapid-response launch team as a Program Manager, where your work directly supports the Nation's most critical defense missions.
This is your chance to lead high-stakes launch acquisition and operations across a constellation of national priorities-including missions for the USSF, Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Army, Navy and the Missile Defense Agency.
Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It - Lead integrated action teams to shape launch strategies and ensure mission readiness - Conduct deep acquisition & technical evaluations and mission assurance reviews of launch systems - Deliver high-impact briefings to senior military and civilian leadership - Pilot launch teams through the full mission lifecycle-from concept to countdown You are the Mission Leader You'll be at the forefront of safeguarding America's space launch architecture, driving innovation through cross-functional collaboration and technical excellence.
Your leadership will ensure our warfighters have the space-based capabilities they need-when they need them. Ideal Candidate: Background: This position plays a vital role in supporting the United States Space Force (USSF) and the Department of War (DoW) by focusing on the sustainability and enhancement of global space launch systems.
The primary responsibility of the position is to serve as the focal point for acquisition of logistics, maintenance, supply, engineering, mission assurance, solid rocket motor aging surveillance and launch services, ensuring the mission readiness and success.
Training: Successful applicants will have completed relevant acquisition management training, including courses offered by the Warfighting Acquisition University (WarU) and are preferred to meet and/or be able to meet Acquisition Professional Development Program Management Level requirements. Additionally, training in personnel management and leadership development will be beneficial.
Experience: Applicants should have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in program management or related fields, ideally within the DoW or a similar environment. Proven experience in leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex programs characterized by significant uncertainties and risks is essential.
Applicants must demonstrate a history of developing and implementing acquisition policies, procedures, strategic plans and source selection experience that enhance mission execution effectiveness.
Experience leading/supporting integrated product teams; experience with solid rocket motor launch operations/missions, experience with implementing requirements and monitoring performance; developing cost estimates; planning/conflict resolution between many organizations; and communicating project status (written/brief) with Space Systems Command (SSC) leadership up to the General Officer Commander, PAE, Division Chief and Branch Chief levels; customer mission managers, and contractors (mission assurance/technical/mission support/launch service contractors).
Establishes management controls such as milestones, expenditure rates, management indicators, and management reviews to reflect program status and provide early detection of emerging problems. Reviews documents to assess impact on the mission preparation and execution. Organizes teamwork efforts and leads a team of specialists in resolving technical, schedule, cost, and supportability issues.
Support/lead team(s) to develop, implement, and control financial and technical aspects of projects (launch operations, acquisition, mission preparation, etc.). Generate specific plans, goals, and objectives consistent with policies and requirements. Organize, direct, and coordinate activities of functional specialists (engineering, contracting, program control, finance, logistics and mission assurance). Review progress of contractors in meeting objectives.
Keep Leadership and team informed of project status and resolution actions. Skills: This position requires direct communications with individual members, teams and leadership. Applicants must possess exceptional leadership and team-leader supervision skills, strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
Proficiency in budget management and contract negotiation will further enhance a candidate's suitability for this critical role. This Program Manager position offers an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled professional to lead essential initiatives and contribute significantly to the mission of the United States Space Force.
HQ.USSF.TalentAcquisition@spaceforce.mil
This position is with Space Systems Command, Department of the Air Force.
The posted pay range is $90479 – $139871/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
This position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-10-13.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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