Senior Acquisition Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Acquisition Specialist

🔹 Company: Stahl Companies

🔹 Location: Remote (with occasional on-site work at government sites in Pax River, Maryland; Washington, DC; San Diego, CA)

🔹 Job Type: Temporary / Contract

🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 22, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Supporting program acquisition documentation and ensuring compliance with DoD and SECNAV 5000 series directives
• Conducting organizational studies and evaluations to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams and attending meetings to support program integrated product teams (IPTs)
• Demonstrating strong analytical, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence skills

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in defense acquisition, with a focus on the Navy. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program management, systems engineering, or related fields.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, and prepare operations and procedures manuals

✅ Support and draft program milestone-related documentation to ensure compliance with DoD and SECNAV 5000 series directives

✅ Support the development of program acquisition documentation such as Acquisition Plans (APs), Acquisition Strategy Reports (ASR), Procurement Initiation Document (PID), Statement of Work (SOW), funding documents, contract awards, agreements, and Acquisition Program Baseline Agreements (APBA)

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

✅ Attend, participate, support, analyze, provide input, develop, prepare, and report on briefs, point papers, reports, correspondence, meetings, conferences, and review boards

✅ Utilize business and technical methodologies to provide support for hardware, software, and service acquisition and life cycle management

✅ Participate in meetings and support specified Program Integrated Product Teams (IPTs)

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

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: MA/MS degree in a business or technical discipline (no substitution allowed)

Experience: Over ten (10) years of experience performing work related to the labor category functional description. Must have science and technology process experience, preferably Navy. See SOW para 3.3.3.1 - Requires at least 6 years of experience to be related to Defense acquisition, preferably Navy, including logistics, research and development, configuration management or systems analysis/design. Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: program management, systems engineering, system acquisition, financial management, test and evaluation, or integrated logistics support.

Required Skills:

• Acquisition Documentation
• Program Management
• Systems Engineering
• Logistics
• Risk Analysis
• Configuration Management
• Financial Management
• Test and Evaluation
• Business Development
• Operational Security Review
• Manufacturing Plans
• Life Cycle Management

Preferred Skills:

• Analytical Skills
• Creative Problem Solving
• Emotional Intelligence
• Trustworthiness

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are essential for this role due to the collaborative nature of the work and the need to interact with various stakeholders.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a senior-level role in defense acquisition, the estimated salary range for this position is $120,000 - $160,000 per year. However, the actual salary may vary depending on factors such as experience, skills, and performance.

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and the opportunity to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may be subject to change. The actual salary and benefits package will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's policies.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Business Consulting and Services, with a focus on healthcare construction management, project management, and regulatory compliance

Company Size: 11-50 employees, which means the company is small enough to offer a close-knit work environment but large enough to provide diverse opportunities and stability

Founded: 2000, with over two decades of experience in providing specialized services to healthcare industry clients

Company Description:

• Represents owners of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, independent and assisted living facilities, medical office buildings, imaging centers, and surgery centers
• Provides construction and project management, transition planning, regulatory review management, and permit expediting services
• Offers expertise in regulatory agency and code education, as well as Senate Bill 1953 seismic safety compliance management

Company Specialties:

• Healthcare Construction Management
• Project Management
• OSHPD Consulting & Compliance
• SB 1953 Compliance
• Link Between Owners and End Users
• Transition Planning

Company Website: Stahl Companies (stahlusa.us)

ASSUMPTION: Stahl Companies is a well-established and reputable organization in the healthcare industry, with a strong focus on providing high-quality services to its clients.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level position, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in defense acquisition

Reporting Structure: The Senior Acquisition Specialist will report to the Program Manager and work closely with cross-functional teams, including program integrated product teams (IPTs)

Work Arrangement: Remote work with occasional on-site work at government sites, offering flexibility and work-life balance

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the company as it grows and takes on new projects
• Opportunity to work on diverse and challenging projects, gaining experience in various aspects of defense acquisition
• Possibility to mentor junior team members and contribute to the company's knowledge-sharing initiatives

ASSUMPTION: The company values employee growth and development, offering opportunities for professional advancement and skill-building.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote-first, with occasional on-site work at government sites

Office Location(s): Pax River, Maryland; Washington, DC; San Diego, CA

Geographic Context:

• Pax River, Maryland: Located near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, this location offers a mix of rural and suburban living with easy access to Baltimore and Washington, DC
• Washington, DC: The nation's capital, offering a vibrant cultural scene, numerous historical sites, and a diverse range of neighborhoods
• San Diego, CA: Known for its mild climate, beautiful beaches, and a thriving tech industry, San Diego offers a high quality of life

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible hours and the opportunity to work remotely

ASSUMPTION: The remote-first work environment offers a high degree of flexibility and work-life balance, while occasional on-site work provides opportunities for face-to-face collaboration and networking.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

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

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical expertise in defense acquisition
• Problem-solving skills and ability to think critically
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in defense acquisition, program management, and systems engineering
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize the skills and qualifications required for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and teamwork

ATS Keywords: Defense acquisition, program management, systems engineering, logistics, risk analysis, configuration management, financial management, test and evaluation, business development, operational security review, manufacturing plans, life cycle management, analytical skills, creative problem-solving, emotional intelligence, trustworthiness

ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the specific needs of the company and the role. However, the tips provided should help applicants prepare effectively for the application and interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira)
• Defense acquisition-related software and tools (e.g., DoD Acquisition Gateway, SECNAV 5000 series directives)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the specific projects and programs the candidate works on. However, the tools listed above are commonly used in defense acquisition and program management.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards and acting with honesty and transparency
• Expertise: Providing high-quality services and solutions through continuous learning and improvement
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and drive success

Work Style:

• Results-driven: Focused on achieving outcomes and delivering value to clients
• Adaptable: Able to adjust to changing circumstances and priorities
• Team-oriented: Committed to working collaboratively and supporting team members

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to integrity and ethical conduct in your professional and personal life?
• Are you able to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities, and can you effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, and are you able to build and maintain effective working relationships with team members and stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Stahl Companies values employees who are committed to its core values and work style, and who are able to contribute to a positive and collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Occasional on-site work may require travel and time away from home
• Defense acquisition can be complex and challenging, requiring strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills
• Working remotely may present unique challenges, such as maintaining work-life balance and staying connected with team members
• Occasional on-site work at government sites may require security clearance and adherence to specific protocols

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges listed above are common to roles in defense acquisition and remote work. However, the company offers support and resources to help employees overcome these challenges and succeed in their roles.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Senior Acquisition Specialist vs. Program Manager: While both roles involve managing programs and acquisitions, the Senior Acquisition Specialist focuses more on the technical aspects of acquisition, while the Program Manager is responsible for overall program planning, execution, and delivery
• Industry-specific context: Defense acquisition roles may vary depending on the specific industry and organization, but the core responsibilities and required qualifications are generally consistent across industries
• Career path comparison: The Senior Acquisition Specialist role can serve as a stepping stone to more senior roles in defense acquisition, such as Program Manager or Senior Program Manager, or to related roles in other industries

ASSUMPTION: The comparison points listed above provide a high-level overview of how the Senior Acquisition Specialist role compares to similar roles in defense acquisition and related industries. However, the specific details and requirements of each role may vary depending on the organization and its unique needs.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a new acquisition strategy for a major defense program
• Conducting a comprehensive review of an organization's acquisition processes and procedures, and recommending improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
• Supporting the development and implementation of a new acquisition management system for a government agency

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are intended to provide a sense of the types of projects a Senior Acquisition Specialist might work on. However, the specific projects and initiatives will vary depending on the organization and its unique needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical acquisition lifecycle for the programs and projects I would be working on?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in defense acquisition?
• What are the key priorities for the team and organization in the next 6-12 months, and how would this role contribute to achieving those priorities?
• How does the company ensure effective communication and collaboration among remote team members?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working on defense acquisition projects, and how does the company support its employees in overcoming those challenges?

ASSUMPTION: The key questions listed above are intended to help applicants better understand the role, the team, and the organization. However, applicants should also prepare questions that are specific to their own experiences, skills, and career goals.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on problem-solving, communication, and teamwork
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience and how it has prepared you for this role
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position

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