Acquisition Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Acquisition Specialist

🔹 Company: KBR, Inc.

🔹 Location: Chantilly, Virginia

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Defense & Space

🔹 Date Posted: April 28, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 4-5+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting contracts and related business processes throughout the contract management life cycle
• Working independently and effectively as part of a team
• Meeting deadlines and prioritizing contracts-related items across large organizations
• Collaborating with people from junior to senior-most levels

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to manage multiple contracts and interact with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Pre-Award Acquisition Support: Provide advice, recommendations, and document preparation support to multiple disciplined offices in all areas of the acquisition pre-acquisition phase, including:

• Documentation: Statement of Works (SOWs), Statement of Objectives (SOOs), Acquisition Strategy Support, Cost Estimates, Market Research & Market Surveys, Quality Assurance Plans, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) / Requests for Quotations (RFQs), Source Selection, and other miscellaneous pre-award documentation
• Award/Selection Support: Provide source selection support to reviewing contract award documents and contract award acquisition support
• Knowledge of the Acquisition Lifecycle: Acquisition Strategy, RFP Development, Proposal Evaluation, Award
• Meetings: Document detailed meeting minutes/action items

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are not exhaustive and may evolve based on the specific needs of the projects and the organization.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (desired)

Experience: 4-5+ years of relevant experience

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in acquisition support or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific acquisition software tools (e.g., eBuy, FedBizOpps)
• Knowledge of intelligence or national security communities

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is desired, relevant experience and skills may be considered in lieu of formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year (based on industry standards for similar roles, experience levels, and locations)

Benefits:

• 401K Plan with company match
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off and Flexible Work Schedule

Working Hours: Standard (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: KBR operates in the defense and space industry, providing high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to the intelligence and national security communities.

Company Size: KBR is a large organization with over 10,000 employees, offering a collaborative environment and opportunities for career growth.

Founded: KBR was founded in 1901 and has since grown into a global leader in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services.

Company Description:

• KBR delivers science, technology, and engineering solutions for the world’s toughest challenges
• The company specializes in engineering, aerospace, defense, professional services, technology, consulting, project management, operations and maintenance, and program management
• KBR is committed to being a People First company, fostering an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect, and Grow

Company Specialties:

• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Defense
• Professional Services
• Technology
• Consulting
• Project Management
• Operations and Maintenance
• Program Management
• Energy
• Cybersecurity
• Science
• Logistics
• Space
• Military Space
• Intel
• Cybersecurity
• Sustainability
• Supply Chain
• Asset Management
• Directed Energy
• Energy Transition
• Sustainable Technology
• Readiness and Sustainment
• Base Operation Support

Company Website: careers.kbr.com

ASSUMPTION: KBR's extensive experience and expertise in the defense and space industry make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to work on impactful projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on experience and qualifications

Reporting Structure: This role may report to a Senior Acquisition Specialist or a Contracts Manager

Work Arrangement: On-site, with minimal travel requirements

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to senior roles within the acquisition team or related departments
• Expansion of responsibilities based on performance and project needs
• Cross-functional collaboration and learning opportunities within KBR's diverse business segments

ASSUMPTION: The Acquisition Specialist role offers opportunities for career growth and development within KBR's national security solutions team.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and professional work environment

Office Location(s): Chantilly, Virginia

Geographic Context:

• Chantilly is located in Fairfax County, Virginia, approximately 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to major highways and public transportation
• Chantilly is home to numerous technology and defense companies, providing ample networking opportunities

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: The Chantilly office provides a convenient location for professionals seeking to work in the defense and space industry while enjoying the benefits of living in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the acquisition team
• Background check and clearance verification
• Final decision and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Acquisition knowledge and experience
• Communication skills, both written and verbal
• Problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
• Cultural fit and alignment with KBR's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant acquisition experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on your experience with contract management, team collaboration, and problem-solving
• Research KBR's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company

ATS Keywords: Acquisition Support, Contract Management, Pre-Award, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Team Collaboration, Deadline Management

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the hiring team and the volume of applicants.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Acquisition-specific software tools (e.g., eBuy, FedBizOpps)
• Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may evolve based on the specific needs of the projects and the organization.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Belong: Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected
• Connect: Collaborate and build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners
• Grow: Encourage continuous learning and development for both personal and professional growth

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Work closely with team members and stakeholders to achieve common goals
• Adaptable: Embrace change and adapt to new situations as needed
• Results-driven: Focus on delivering high-quality work and achieving desired outcomes

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy working with diverse teams?
• Are you comfortable managing multiple contracts and prioritizing tasks effectively?
• Do you possess strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your communication style to different audiences?

ASSUMPTION: KBR values a diverse and inclusive workforce, seeking candidates who align with their core values and work style.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously
• Navigating complex acquisition regulations and guidelines
• Collaborating effectively with various stakeholders, including internal teams and external vendors
• Adapting to changes in project scope, priorities, or timelines

ASSUMPTION: The challenges listed above are not exhaustive and may vary based on the specific projects and organization.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Contract Specialist: Focuses on post-award contract administration, while the Acquisition Specialist role is more focused on pre-award activities
• Procurement Manager: Oversees the entire procurement process, including strategic sourcing, supplier management, and contract negotiation, whereas the Acquisition Specialist role is more specialized in pre-award acquisition support
• Project Manager: Responsible for planning, executing, and monitoring project progress, while the Acquisition Specialist role is more focused on contract management and acquisition support

ASSUMPTION: The roles listed above are not exhaustive and may have overlapping responsibilities or unique aspects based on the specific organization and industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Supporting the acquisition of advanced satellite technology for a national security agency
• Collaborating with a cross-functional team to develop and implement an acquisition strategy for a major defense program
• Managing the pre-award acquisition process for a critical infrastructure project, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are intended to provide a sense of the types of initiatives an Acquisition Specialist might work on, but the specific projects may vary based on the organization and industry.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the acquisition team currently, and how might this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does KBR support the professional development and growth of its employees in acquisition-related roles?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does KBR foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within its acquisition teams?

ASSUMPTION: The interview questions listed above are intended to help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the organization, but candidates should also prepare questions tailored to their specific interests and concerns.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://kbr.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/KBR_Careers/job/Chantilly-Virginia/Acquisition-Specialist_R2105680
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant acquisition experience and skills, using the ATS keywords provided
• Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and the company, addressing how your qualifications and experience make you a strong fit for the position
• If applicable, prepare examples of your work or projects that showcase your acquisition-related skills and accomplishments
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and reiterate your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.