Acquisition Specialist/Management Analyst - Senior

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Acquisition Specialist/Management Analyst - Senior

🔹 Company: Air Combat Effectiveness Consulting

🔹 Location: Lexington Park, Maryland, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting and drafting program milestone documentation for compliance with DoD and SECNAV directives
• Assisting with program digital reporting tools and developing various acquisition documentation
• Attending, participating, and supporting meetings, conferences, and review boards
• Analyzing and assessing program procedures, practices, philosophies, and documentation
• Requiring an active TS//SCI or Top-Secret clearance with current background investigation

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and clearance, indicating a focus on sensitive or classified projects within the defense industry.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Supporting and drafting program milestone related documentation to ensure compliance with DoD and SECNAV 5000 series directives

✅ Assisting with program digital reporting tools such as DAVE, Qlik Sense Enterprise, RDA Information System (RDAIS), and the Procurement Management Tool (PMT)

✅ Supporting the development of program acquisition documentation such as Acquisition Plans (AP), Acquisition Strategies (AS), Acquisition Program Baselines (APBs), Procurement Initiation Document (PID), Statement of Work (SOW), funding documents, and Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs)

✅ Assessing program procedures, practices, philosophies, and documentation for compliance with specifications, contracts, and mission requirements

✅ Attending, participating, supporting, analyzing, providing input, developing, preparing, and reporting on briefs, point papers, reports, correspondence, meetings, conferences, and review boards

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a significant amount of documentation, analysis, and communication, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: MA/MS degree in a relevant technical field

Experience: Over 10 years of experience performing duties described in the functional description

Required Skills:

• Program management
• Technical analysis
• Business analysis
• Acquisition planning
• Documentation compliance
• Procurement management
• Data analysis
• Reporting
• Meeting participation
• Contract management
• Weapons systems
• Survivability investments
• Life cycle management
• Digital reporting tools
• DoD compliance
• SECNAV directives

Preferred Skills:

• At least five (5) years of experience in the NAVAIR program management, technical, and business analysis discipline, related to acquisition and life cycle management

ASSUMPTION: Given the experience level required, candidates are expected to have a deep understanding of defense acquisition processes and relevant tools.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for a senior role in defense acquisition)

Benefits:

• Personal Time Off
• Health Benefits
• Vision Benefits
• Dental Benefits
• 401(k)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project demands

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a senior role in defense acquisition, as the original job listing did not provide salary information.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing, focusing on aircraft survivability and air combat effectiveness

Company Size: 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact

Founded: 2013, with a decade of experience in providing expert advice to defense decision-makers

Company Description:

• ACE Group is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business that provides expertise in the operational application of current and future airborne weapons systems
• The company's logo reflects its commitment to combat effectiveness and staying on target
• ACE Group's business strategy attracts highly experienced and qualified subject matter experts in military operations, policy, doctrine, and technology solutions

Company Specialties:

• Aircraft Survivability
• Aviation Engineering Support
• Air Combat Effectiveness

Company Website: http://www.acegroupllc.com

ASSUMPTION: As a defense contractor, ACE Group works on sensitive projects and requires clearances for many of its employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior, indicating a high level of responsibility and experience

Reporting Structure: This role may report to a Program Manager or similar position, with the opportunity to lead junior analysts or support staff

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career progression to management or senior leadership roles within the company
• Expanding expertise in defense acquisition, weapons systems, or related fields
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of defense acquisition

ASSUMPTION: Given the company's focus on attracting experienced professionals, there may be opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a dedicated office space for employees

Office Location(s): 22299 Exploration Dr, Suite 400, Lexington Park, Maryland 20653, US

Geographic Context:

• Lexington Park is located in Southern Maryland, approximately 60 miles southeast of Washington, D.C.
• The area is home to several defense and aerospace companies, as well as Patuxent River Naval Air Station
• The region offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for project demands and occasional overtime

ASSUMPTION: The work environment may be subject to changes in project demands, requiring adaptability and flexibility from employees.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
• Background check and clearance processing
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical expertise in defense acquisition and related tools
• Clearance eligibility and background check
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and skills in your resume, tailoring it to the specific requirements of this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your experience with defense acquisition processes and tools
• Research ACE Group and the defense industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission

ATS Keywords: Acquisition planning, program management, technical analysis, business analysis, DoD compliance, SECNAV directives, weapons systems, survivability investments, life cycle management, digital reporting tools

ASSUMPTION: As a defense contractor, ACE Group may use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes for relevant keywords and experience.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• DAVE
• Qlik Sense Enterprise
• RDA Information System (RDAIS)
• Procurement Management Tool (PMT)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Defense acquisition and procurement tools (e.g., eBuy, FedBizOpps)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the projects and programs the employee works on.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Expertise and experience
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Reliability and trustworthiness

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing project demands
• Detail-oriented and organized

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong background in defense acquisition and related tools?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
• Do you possess strong communication and interpersonal skills?

ASSUMPTION: As a defense contractor, ACE Group values employees with relevant experience, strong work ethic, and the ability to adapt to changing project demands.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working on classified or sensitive projects may require additional clearances and background checks
• The dynamic nature of defense acquisition projects may result in fluctuating workloads and priorities
• Working in a small to mid-sized company may require employees to wear multiple hats and take on diverse responsibilities
• Occasional travel may be required for meetings, conferences, or site visits

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role are primarily related to the defense industry, project dynamics, and company size.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other defense acquisition and management analyst positions, but may have a stronger focus on weapons systems and survivability investments
• Compared to related roles in other industries, this position may require a higher level of clearance and familiarity with defense-specific processes and tools
• Career progression in this role may follow a path similar to other defense acquisition professionals, with opportunities for management or senior leadership positions

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other defense acquisition and management analyst positions, its focus on weapons systems and survivability investments sets it apart.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing an acquisition plan for a new weapons system
• Analyzing and assessing the life cycle management of an existing platform
• Supporting the procurement process for a major defense contract

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects an employee works on may vary depending on the company's current priorities and defense acquisition needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical projects and programs this role will be involved in?
• How does this role contribute to the company's mission and goals?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the company?
• How does the company support employees in maintaining their clearances and staying up-to-date with industry trends?
• What is the team structure and dynamic like for this role?

ASSUMPTION: Asking insightful questions during the interview process can help applicants better understand the role, the company, and its culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills, focusing on defense acquisition, weapons systems, and related tools
• Prepare a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your qualifications for it
• If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio showcasing your relevant experience and skills
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the position

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