📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Acquisition Specialist
🔹 Company: QinetiQ US
🔹 Location: El Segundo, California
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: June 25, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: No
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting acquisition processes for successful program management
- Providing assistance throughout the acquisition life-cycle
- Advising on technical engagements and risk management
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure program success
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise in acquisition processes and a deep understanding of the defense industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Supporting acquisition processes and applying them for successful program management
✅ Providing space acquisitions assistance for any stage of the acquisition life-cycle
✅ Revising or providing draft JCIDS and acquisition documentation
✅ Identifying areas of improvement and providing actionable, feasible recommendations
✅ Performing earned value management and schedule analysis
✅ Maintaining awareness of current program schedule and reporting requirement shortfalls
✅ Advising the Government program manager on technical engagements
✅ Assisting with reviewing and analyzing packages and executing source selections
✅ Maintaining, updating, and analyzing acquisition forecasts
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: MA/MS degree
Experience: Expert in acquiring highly classified ACAT-like MILSATCOM systems
Required Skills:
- Expertise in developing and coordinating activities for Defense Acquisition Boards
- Expertise in developing and coordinating activities for major sources
- Highly knowledgeable in evaluation/assessment of technical solicitation products
- Highly knowledgeable in the DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process
- Highly knowledgeable in the fields of acquisition program support
- TS/SCI clearance
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command
- MS Suite certification(s)
ASSUMPTION: Given the sensitive nature of the work, a high level of clearance and relevant experience are crucial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: 125,000 - 175,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is a good faith estimate and may vary based on experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: QinetiQ US operates in the defense and space manufacturing industry, focusing on mission-led innovation in robotics and autonomous systems, mission operations, ISR, cyber, and information advantage.
Company Size: QinetiQ US has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Founded: QinetiQ US was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
Company Description:
- QinetiQ US provides world-class technology development, engineering research and development, and revolutionary products to the defense, security, and commercial markets.
- The company's mission-led approach ensures rapid delivery of best capabilities to customers.
- QinetiQ US supports missions by protecting the lives of war fighters and protecting complex systems and critical assets.
Company Specialties:
- Unmanned Systems
- Military Survivability
- Maritime Capabilities
- Utility Monitoring
- Smart Grid Technology
- Military Armor
- Aircraft Armor
- Soldier Protection
- Gunshot Detection
- RPG Protection
- Security Robots
- CBRNE/HazMat Robots
- Armor Protection
- Robots
- Military Robots
- Manufacturing Process Improvement
- Sensing Systems
- Mission-led innovation
Company Website: https://us.qinetiq.com
ASSUMPTION: QinetiQ US is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the defense industry, offering opportunities for professional growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring significant experience and expertise in acquisition processes.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Acquisition Specialist will report to the Government program manager and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, requiring regular presence at the El Segundo, CA office.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the acquisition team
- Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in different aspects of defense programs
- Possibility to transition into other roles within the company, such as program management or business development
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the defense industry, there may be opportunities for career growth and development within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: QinetiQ US operates a modern, professional office environment in El Segundo, CA.
Office Location(s): 1800 Tysons Blvd, McLean, Virginia 22102, US; 10440 Furnace Rd, Suite 204, Lorton, Virginia 22079, US; 130 Constitution Blvd, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038, US; 4638 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, US; 2100 Reston Pkwy, Reston, Virginia 20191, US
Geographic Context:
- El Segundo is a city in Los Angeles County, California, with a population of approximately 165,000 people.
- The city is known for its beaches, parks, and cultural attractions, offering a high quality of life for residents.
- El Segundo is located near Los Angeles, providing easy access to the city's amenities and employment opportunities.
Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for project demands.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at QinetiQ US is collaborative and professional, with a focus on mission-led innovation and customer success.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Background check and clearance process
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in acquisition processes
- Problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Adaptability and ability to work in a dynamic environment
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in acquisition processes
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your qualifications for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to acquisition processes and risk management
- Research QinetiQ US and the defense industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
ATS Keywords: Acquisition processes, program management, MILSATCOM systems, Defense Acquisition Boards, technical assessments, DoD Planning, Budgeting, Execution process, risk management, earned value management, schedule analysis, source selections, acquisition documentation, technical engagements, contract analysis, program assessment
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and applicants should highlight their relevant experience and qualifications to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Acquisition-specific software and tools (e.g., Earned Value Management tools, acquisition planning software)
- Defense-specific software and tools (e.g., DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution tools)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role, and applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in these areas.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Customer focus
- Collaboration
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
- Results-driven and focused on delivering customer value
- Committed to continuous learning and professional development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of success in acquisition processes?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented work culture?
- Are you committed to delivering high-quality results and exceeding customer expectations?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with QinetiQ US's company values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career with the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with highly classified and sensitive information
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Navigating a dynamic and ever-changing defense industry
- Adapting to new tools and technologies as they emerge in the defense sector
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to face these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a demanding and dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other acquisition specialist positions in the defense industry, but may require more expertise in highly classified MILSATCOM systems and higher-level clearance
- Compared to other defense roles, this position may offer more opportunities for growth and development within the acquisition team
- Career paths for this role may include advancement to program management or business development positions within the defense industry
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles in the defense industry to better understand the requirements and opportunities for career growth and development.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and coordinating activities for a major source for an ACAT-like program
- Providing acquisition support for a highly classified MILSATCOM system
- Conducting a technical assessment of solicitation products for a defense program
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with relevant projects and provide specific examples of their accomplishments in acquisition processes.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics for this role?
- How does this role contribute to the overall mission of QinetiQ US and the defense industry?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the acquisition team and the company as a whole?
- How does QinetiQ US support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the QinetiQ US careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions related to acquisition processes and risk management
- Research QinetiQ US and the defense industry to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
