📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Acquisition Program Analyst, SME (Fighter Modernization) - (AQP, Global Power Programs)
🔹 Company: OBXtek Inc.
🔹 Location: Pentagon/WDC, District of Columbia, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Acquisition & Program Management
🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (100% on-site, 5 days per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting the Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition (SAF/AQ) on the STAQSS II contract.
- Focusing on the Fighter Modernization portfolio, with a strong emphasis on 5th Generation Fighters like the F-22.
- Collaborating with the Global Power Programs Directorate to manage a $10B portfolio.
- Providing specialized expertise to complement the organization's inherent resources for effective and efficient mission accomplishment.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a deep understanding of Air Force fighter programs and acquisition processes, with a focus on modernizing and sustaining existing and emerging fighter aircraft.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting HAF budget preparation and defense, SAE oversight, and decision-making activities.
✅ Maintaining and analyzing planning, scheduling, and management data.
✅ Studying, analyzing, and providing recommendations on requirements, acquisition strategies, program documentation, and program execution.
✅ Providing impartial assessments of programs approaching milestone decisions and of prime Contractor technical and operational issues.
✅ Researching and analyzing program trends, identifying issues, and recommending solutions.
✅ Making recommendations on the allocation of funding, establishment of program goals, objectives, and schedules, and the formulation of program direction.
✅ Tracking compliance with stated program direction and identifying issues.
✅ Identifying and researching programmatic issues and tradeoffs in terms of required capabilities, costs, and schedules.
✅ Reviewing and providing recommendations on existing and proposed Air Force acquisition and capability area policies and implementation.
✅ Reviewing and evaluating the impact of national, DoD, JCS, and civil government policies and activities that affect Air Force acquisition programs and capability areas.
✅ Maintaining historical Air Force weapon program documentation and developing summary documents/briefings and training material.
✅ Providing short notice, quick-reaction analyses of critical programmatic issues in the context of Congressional, OSD Staff, Joint Staff, HQ USAF, MAJCOM, NATO, coalition, or bi-lateral activities.
✅ Preparing PPBE documentation to ensure they accurately articulate the current program.
✅ Supporting the HAF review process - AFROCs, JWCAs, DABs, Congressional cycle, ASPs, AFRBs, CSBs, GAO reports, etc.
✅ Reviewing and documenting MDR and FOIA requests.
✅ Monitoring on-going studies, analyses, and developmental work relevant to weapon systems.
✅ Supporting program-specific efforts like CONOPS development, CDD, CPD, IER, and requirements working groups.
✅ Reviewing and providing data to assist in preparation for legislative hearings, program documentation, briefing packages and read-aheads, Congressional staffer visits, and other events to ensure an integrated and consistent Air Force position in response to Congressional questions, issues, and requests for information on assigned program/portfolio.
✅ Handling confidential and classified (Secret/TS-SCI) information, correspondence, and communications.
✅ Any other tasks closely associated with the performance of duties listed above and as coordinated with the COR.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills to effectively support the acquisition and sustainment of Air Force fighter programs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in a Business, Finance, or Engineering discipline
Experience: 10+ years of acquisition experience in a System Program Office and/or Air Force Headquarters, with 5+ years working on Air Force fighter programs and 5+ years working on advanced technology efforts involving the integration of new capabilities into combat platforms
Required Skills:
- Extensive knowledge of the Air Force requirements development process
- Demonstrated experience collaborating decisions across multiple and diverse stakeholders to meet a common and challenging technical objective
- Strong background on the process for transitioning a technology from the lab environment to an executing program
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience in SAF/AQP, SAF/AQL, SAF RCO, SAP/SAR experience
- Air Force Material Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)
ASSUMPTION: Given the specialized nature of this role, candidates with a strong background in Air Force acquisition and fighter programs are highly sought after.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for similar roles in the DC area)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Matching 401K
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling options available
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the DC area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Information Technology and Diversified Professional Services
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees (Mid-sized company, offering opportunities for growth and collaboration)
Founded: 2009 (Over a decade of experience in government contracting)
Company Description:
- OBXtek is a relationship-driven information technology and diversified professional services company, founded in 2009 as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business.
- Now employing over 500 people on more than 35 contracts at job sites around the globe, OBXtek pairs lessons learned across disciplines with industry standard quality practices such as CMMI-DEV Level III, CMMI-SVC Level III, ITIL, 6Sigma, PMI, and ISO.
- OBXtek maintains prime contracts with various U.S. military branches, civilian agencies, and government organizations, demonstrating a strong commitment to public service.
Company Specialties:
- Project Management
- Program Management
- Software Development
- IT Engineering
- IT
- Government Contractor
- Cybersecurity
- Acquisition Management
- Mobility
- Enterprise IT
- Cloud
- Logistics
- IA
- Training
- IT Support
- IT Testing
- and Enterprise Service Management
Company Website: OBXtek.com
ASSUMPTION: OBXtek's extensive experience and diverse portfolio of contracts make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to grow their careers in the government contracting field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior-level (Dependent on experience and qualifications)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and works closely with the Global Power Programs Directorate and other relevant stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: 100% on-site, 5 days per week at the Pentagon
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding expertise in Air Force acquisition and fighter programs
- Developing leadership and management skills through collaboration with diverse stakeholders
- Potential career progression into senior acquisition roles or management positions within OBXtek or other government contracting organizations
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for candidates with a strong background in Air Force acquisition and fighter programs, looking to expand their expertise and advance their careers.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site at the Pentagon
Office Location(s): Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Geographic Context:
- The Pentagon is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
- The surrounding area offers a mix of urban and suburban living options, with easy access to public transportation and numerous amenities.
- The DC area is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and historical sites.
Work Schedule: Standard business hours (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available)
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement at the Pentagon offers candidates the opportunity to work in a dynamic and historic environment, with easy access to the many amenities and cultural attractions of the DC area.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-depth technical interview with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
- Background check and security clearance processing
- Final offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in Air Force acquisition and fighter programs
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Communication and stakeholder management skills
- Adaptability and ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Alignment with OBXtek's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your experience with Air Force acquisition and fighter programs
- Research OBXtek's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Acquisition, Program Analyst, SME, Fighter Modernization, AQP, Global Power Programs, Air Force, Requirements Development, Budget Preparation, Program Execution, Stakeholder Management, Technical Expertise
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing candidates' technical expertise, analytical skills, and cultural fit with OBXtek and the Air Force acquisition community.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, JIRA, Asana)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Excel, Tableau, Power BI)
- Collaboration and communication tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, email)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools, with the potential for exposure to additional tools and technologies based on specific program needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Relationship-driven: OBXtek prioritizes building strong, lasting relationships with clients, partners, and employees.
- Innovation: OBXtek encourages continuous learning and improvement, driving innovative solutions for clients.
- Integrity: OBXtek upholds the highest ethical standards in all aspects of its business operations.
- Excellence: OBXtek strives for excellence in all its endeavors, delivering high-quality solutions and services to clients.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: OBXtek values teamwork and encourages open communication and collaboration among employees.
- Adaptable: OBXtek operates in a dynamic and evolving environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and responsive to change.
- Mission-driven: OBXtek is committed to supporting its clients' missions and contributing to the success of the broader government contracting community.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong, lasting relationships with stakeholders?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you drove innovative solutions to address a complex challenge?
- How do you ensure that your work upholds the highest ethical standards, even in high-pressure situations?
ASSUMPTION: OBXtek values candidates who align with its mission, values, and work style, demonstrating strong relationship-building skills, a commitment to innovation, and a focus on excellence in all aspects of their work.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with frequent changes and priorities
- Managing multiple stakeholders with diverse perspectives and expectations
- Navigating complex acquisition processes and regulations
- Balancing the demands of multiple programs and priorities
- Adapting to the unique work environment and culture of the Pentagon
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for candidates with strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills, looking to make a significant impact in the Air Force acquisition community.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other acquisition roles, this position focuses specifically on the Fighter Modernization portfolio, with a strong emphasis on 5th Generation Fighters like the F-22.
- This role requires a deep understanding of Air Force fighter programs and acquisition processes, with a focus on modernizing and sustaining existing and emerging fighter aircraft.
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior acquisition roles or management positions within OBXtek or other government contracting organizations, offering significant growth opportunities for candidates with a strong background in Air Force acquisition and fighter programs.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for candidates with a strong background in Air Force acquisition and fighter programs, looking to expand their expertise and advance their careers in the government contracting field.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive budget proposal for the F-22 Raptor modernization program, including detailed cost estimates, funding allocations, and program execution plans
- Conducting a thorough analysis of the F-35 Lightning II program's requirements development process, identifying areas for improvement and recommending strategic adjustments to ensure program success
- Leading a cross-functional team to develop and implement a comprehensive program management plan for the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet modernization, addressing critical capability gaps and ensuring program compliance with Air Force acquisition policies and regulations
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the acquisition and sustainment efforts required for Air Force fighter programs, highlighting the critical role this position plays in supporting the Air Force's mission and ensuring the success of its fighter modernization initiatives.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most pressing challenges facing the Fighter Modernization portfolio and how this role will address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams and stakeholders within OBXtek and the Air Force acquisition community?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and OBXtek as a whole?
- How does OBXtek support its employees' work-life balance, especially for those working on-site at the Pentagon?
- What steps does OBXtek take to ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive information, particularly in an on-site work environment like the Pentagon?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on Air Force acquisition and fighter programs
- Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and alignment with OBXtek's mission and values
- If applicable, prepare examples or portfolio pieces that showcase your relevant experience and expertise
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
