📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Acquisition Specialist
🔹 Company: QinetiQ US
🔹 Location: Huntsville, AL, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: June 25, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting acquisition processes for successful program management
- Working with highly classified ACAT-like MILSATCOM systems
- Developing and coordinating acquisition documentation for Defense Acquisition Boards (DABs)
- Performing earned value management, schedule analysis, and PPBE support
- Advising the Government program manager on technical engagements
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise in acquisition processes and MILSATCOM systems, with a focus on supporting advanced technology and future concept development.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Provide space acquisitions assistance throughout the acquisition lifecycle
✅ Revise or provide draft JCIDS and acquisition documentation
✅ Identify areas of improvement and provide actionable recommendations
✅ Perform earned value management and schedule analysis
✅ Maintain awareness of current program schedule and report requirement shortfalls
✅ Advise the Government program manager on technical engagements
✅ Assist with reviewing and analyzing packages, including Contract Performance Reports
✅ Assist with the execution of source selections and coordinating functional meeting requests
✅ Maintain, update, and analyze acquisition forecasts
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of responsibility and requires strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.
🎯 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 ACAT-like DABs
- Expertise in developing and coordinating activities for a major source for an ACAT-like program
- Highly knowledgeable in the DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process
- Highly knowledgeable in acquisition program support
- TS/SCI eligibility
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command
- MS Suite certification(s)
ASSUMPTION: Given the highly specialized nature of this role, candidates with relevant experience and education are likely to be most competitive.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Senior Acquisition Specialist with 10+ years of experience in the defense industry)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with potential for overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Senior Acquisition Specialist with the required experience level. Actual salary may vary based on individual qualifications and company discretion.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing. QinetiQ US is a leading provider of mission-led innovation in Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Mission Operations, ISR, Cyber, and Information Advantage.
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees. As a mid-sized company, QinetiQ US offers a balance between the resources and opportunities of a larger organization and the personal touch of a smaller one.
Founded: 1956. QinetiQ US has a long history of providing innovative solutions to the defense and security markets.
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 that it gets the best capabilities rapidly into the hands of its customers.
- QinetiQ US is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and is part of QinetiQ Group PLC (QQ: LSE), one of the world’s leading defense and security technology companies.
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
Company Website: https://us.qinetiq.com
ASSUMPTION: QinetiQ US is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the defense and security industry. Its mission-led approach to innovation ensures that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in its fields of expertise.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior. This role is suited for experienced professionals seeking to apply their expertise in acquisition processes and MILSATCOM systems to support advanced technology and future concept development.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Acquisition Specialist will report to the Government program manager and work closely with other acquisition and program management personnel.
Work Arrangement: On-site. This role requires regular on-site presence at the Huntsville, AL location to support the U.S. Space Force and DoD programs.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a leadership or management role within the acquisition or program management field
- Expansion of expertise into related areas, such as technical or engineering disciplines
- Opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects within the defense and security industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development within the acquisition and program management fields, as well as the broader defense and security industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site. This role requires regular on-site presence at the Huntsville, AL location.
Office Location(s): 1800 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA 22102, US
Geographic Context:
- Huntsville, AL is known as "Rocket City" due to its significant role in the U.S. space program.
- The city offers a high quality of life, with a low cost of living, excellent schools, and a vibrant cultural scene.
- Huntsville is home to numerous defense and aerospace companies, providing ample networking and career growth opportunities.
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with potential for overtime as needed
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement and Huntsville location offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth technical interview
- Final round interview with hiring manager
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical expertise in acquisition processes and MILSATCOM systems
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Cultural fit with QinetiQ US and the defense industry
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in acquisition processes and MILSATCOM systems
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your qualifications for this specific role
- Prepare for technical interview questions by brushing up on your knowledge of acquisition processes and MILSATCOM systems
- Research QinetiQ US and the defense industry to demonstrate your cultural fit and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Acquisition processes, MILSATCOM systems, Defense Acquisition Boards, earned value management, schedule analysis, PPBE support, technical engagements, source selections, acquisition forecasts, DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on technical expertise and cultural fit within the defense industry.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Acquisition-related software and tools (e.g., Earned Value Management tools, acquisition planning software)
- Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are primarily software-based and related to acquisition processes and project management.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Customer focus
- Collaboration
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Focused on mission-led innovation and customer success
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively with a diverse team of experts?
- Are you committed to driving mission-led innovation and customer success?
ASSUMPTION: QinetiQ US values employees who are innovative, integrity-driven, customer-focused, collaborative, and accountable, and who thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with highly classified and sensitive information
- Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Navigating the complex and ever-changing defense acquisition landscape
- Adapting to the unique requirements and constraints of working with the U.S. Space Force and DoD
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to working with highly classified information, managing multiple priorities, and navigating the complex defense acquisition landscape.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other acquisition specialist roles in its focus on highly classified ACAT-like MILSATCOM systems and support for advanced technology and future concept development.
- Within the defense industry, this role is similar to other senior acquisition specialist positions, with a focus on supporting advanced technology and future concept development.
- Career-wise, this role can lead to advancement to leadership or management positions within the acquisition or program management fields, or expansion of expertise into related areas, such as technical or engineering disciplines.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on highly classified ACAT-like MILSATCOM systems and support for advanced technology and future concept development, but shares similarities with other senior acquisition specialist positions within the defense industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Supporting the acquisition of a new MILSATCOM system for the U.S. Space Force
- Developing and coordinating acquisition documentation for a Defense Acquisition Board (DAB)
- Performing earned value management and schedule analysis for a major defense program
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the work involved in this role, with a focus on supporting advanced technology and future concept development within the defense industry.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the most challenging acquisition project you've worked on and how you overcame any obstacles?
- How does this role support the mission of the U.S. Space Force and the broader defense industry?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the company?
- How does QinetiQ US foster a culture of innovation and collaboration within its teams?
- What are the most important qualities for success in this role, and how do they align with my personal and professional goals?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to assess the candidate's technical expertise, cultural fit, and long-term potential for success in this role.
📌 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 specific role
- Prepare for technical interview questions by brushing up on your knowledge of acquisition processes and MILSATCOM systems
- Research QinetiQ US and the defense industry to demonstrate your cultural fit and enthusiasm for the role
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your final 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.
