Senior Acquisition Associate

Space Systems Acquisition & Sustainment Advisor

Quantech is seeking a qualified Space Systems Acquisition & Sustainment Advisor to provide expert-level support to the Space Systems Command (SSC) / SZ-BC. This organization is responsible for developing, integrating, testing, deploying, sustaining, and supporting operations for cutting-edge Space Domain Awareness (SDA), Defensive and Offensive Space Control (DSC / OSC) capabilities, and space test range assets. You will play a vital role in ensuring the success of multiple SSC / SZ-BC programs, as well as various other Space Force, Air Force, and mission partner initiatives. Organization is responsible for highly classified Space Domain Awareness (SDA) systems, Defensive and Offensive Space Control (DSC / OSC) capabilities, and space test range assets, all crucial for meeting current and projected DoD operational requirements. This dynamic environment requires a professional with a strong understanding of ground, near-space, space, and related operating systems.

Additional responsibilities include :

• Providing expert space acquisition, engineering, operations, and technical advice and assistance across all stages of the acquisition life cycle.
• Supporting program acquisition efforts for advanced technology, future concept development, and integration activities.
• Advising and assisting the Government on critical cost, schedule, and performance matters.
• Revising or drafting JCIDS and acquisition documentation, including Initial Capability Documents, Interface Control Documents, Capability Development / Production / Requirements Documents, Milestone documentation, Acquisition Strategies, Analysis of Alternatives, Concept of Operations, Memorandums of Agreement / Understanding, Technical / Systems Requirement Documents, Defense Acquisition Board documentation, Technical Evaluations, System Specifications, enabling concepts, training material, briefings, white papers, reports, and analysis results, ensuring compliance with the latest Government guidance (e.g., MIL-STD).
• Preparing draft SME-level technical and / or programmatic status reports for individual programs or the portfolio, as requested by the Government program manager.
• Identifying areas for improvement in acquisition processes, providing actionable recommendations, and executing tasks to mitigate risks.
• Assisting in building and maintaining a Government risk program, including risk identification, process definition, and detailed technical risk mitigation plans.
• Supporting the Government program manager on commitments, obligations, and expenditures of funds, including performing earned value management and schedule analysis for program office defense contracts.
• Providing support in understanding classified funding distribution and assisting with PPBE activities, including congressional reporting, fiscal year planning, continuing resolution management, unfunded requirement development and submittal, end-of-year funding actions, and Program Objective Memorandum (POM) development.
• Provide expertise in Integrated Baseline Reviews / Business Financial Reviews to analyze contractor cost and schedule performance.
• Review and analyze contractor reports (e.g., Program Contractor Status Reports, Integrated Master Schedules) for contractual compliance.
• Identify discrepancies in contractor deliverables, recommend corrective actions, track findings, and advise on resolutions; participate in DCMA surveillance and perform IMS reconciliation.
• Monitor program schedules, acquisition implementation, report shortfalls, provide risk-based assessments, and maintain / update acquisition reports.
• Advise on technical engagements, maintain portfolio awareness, support integrated product teams, and assist in source selections.
• Offer technical / operational insights for mission protection and C2 integration, develop / evaluate analyses, audits, and reviews, and liaise with relevant program offices.
• Providing modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) and architecture development support, including defining and developing Space Protection and Space Control mission area architectures and alternatives, force packaging, and courses of action.
• Advising the Government program manager regarding robust software planning and development for spiral / agile acquisition programs.
• Assisting in maintaining a System Safety program in accordance with appropriate DoD safety instructions and guidance.
• Providing on-site support at defense contractors' manufacturing facilities, operations centers, and other defense contractor facilities, as required.
• Assisting the Government on planning and coordinating infrastructure projects and requirements, and leading efforts to establish capabilities at various locations (unclassified and classified).

Minimum Education & Certification(s) : BA / BS Required; APDP level II Certification preferred

Minimum Yrs. Experience and / or Expertise : 10+ years of specific and demonstrable experience working with United States Space Force programs and organizations. Demonstrated experience with the DoD acquisition lifecycle and relevant regulations (e.g., DoDI 5000.02). Strong understanding of JCIDS processes and the development of acquisition documentation.

Clearance : Active TS (SCI Eligible)

Location : El Segundo, CA

Salary information below is a general guide only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as business and market considerations. Salary Range : $160,000 - $180,000

Work Environment : This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands : This is largely a sedentary role mostly sitting; however, some filing may be required. This would require the ability to move files, or boxes with file data, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary, ability to lift up to 40lbs.

Mental Demands : Reading; communicate effectively (verbal and written); maintain emotional control and professionalism.