Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist
About The Position
The Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist joins the SEI’s Acquisition Policy, Practice & Integration (APPI) team to help shape forward-thinking Department of War (DoW) software acquisition policy and practice. The role works directly with DoW policy teams and programs, leading or participating in client and research teams that address complex software acquisition challenges. The work focuses on establishing acquisition approaches for advanced software technologies and methods within a collaborative, mission-focused culture. The specialist advises DoW acquisition programs on acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies, including artificial intelligence. The role also identifies software-related policy needs across the acquisition enterprise, studies the acquisition implications of emerging technologies and methods, and works with SEI technical teams to transition innovations into DoW programs. The specialist synthesizes data and experience to inform program strategies, research, and policy recommendations, and develops approaches for applying innovations beyond the DoW. The position is based in Arlington, Virginia, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It requires approximately 25% travel to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings, as well as passing a background check and obtaining and maintaining an active Department of War security clearance.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework and recent direct experience applying the DoW Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87), as well as other accelerated or innovative acquisition approaches for software-enabled capabilities.
- Experience developing and executing acquisition strategies in embedded systems or command and control (C2) programs.
- Good understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and use of Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), with experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
- Experience in at least two of the following areas in DoW acquisitions: DevSecOps or software factories; agile software methodologies; digital engineering and model-based systems engineering; modern test and evaluation methodologies; integrating AI capabilities or systems; or DoW contract and financial planning and integrated performance management.
- A combination of relevant education and experience: a BS in a software-related, quantitative/analytical, or acquisition-relevant field with 10 years of experience; an MS in those fields with 8 years of experience; or a PhD in those fields with 5 years of experience.
- Collaborative problem-solving skills.
- Clear communication skills and ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.
- Ability and enthusiasm to work on diverse, multifactor problems requiring analysis, innovation, creativity, and evaluation.
- Commitment to high-quality work and its impact.
- Willingness to travel approximately 25% outside the office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
- Ability to pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.
Nice To Haves
- War Acquisition University certification in a field supporting software acquisition.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with and advise DoW acquisition programs on developing and executing acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies, including AI.
- Work with stakeholders across the acquisition enterprise to identify and address software-related policy needs within and across programs.
- Research the acquisition implications of emerging software technologies and methods.
- Collaborate with SEI technical teams to identify and execute opportunities to transition SEI technical innovations into DoW acquisition programs.
- Abstract and synthesize data and experience to inform programmatic strategies, research projects, and policy recommendations.
- Develop approaches for applying innovations in contexts beyond the DoW.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
