Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist

Carnegie Mellon University•Pittsburgh, PA

About The Position

The Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist joins the SEI’s Acquisition Policy, Practice & Integration 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 and participating in client and research teams focused on complex software acquisition challenges. The position supports development of acquisition approaches for advanced software technologies and methods, including artificial intelligence, within a collaborative, mission-focused culture. The SEI develops methods, tools, algorithms, and frameworks to address software and cybersecurity needs, working with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia. The APPI team combines empirical analysis, software engineering and AI research, and acquisition science to provide evidence-based guidance to DoW programs and other federal and state agencies.

Requirements

Strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework and recent direct experience applying the DoW Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87) and 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 bachelor's degree in a software-related, quantitative/analytical, or acquisition-relevant field and 10 years of experience; a master's degree in those fields and 8 years of experience; or a PhD in those fields and 5 years of experience.
Collaborative problem-solving skills and clear communication, with the ability to adapt communication style to different audiences.
Ability and willingness to work on diverse problems involving analysis, innovation, creativity, and evaluation, and to deliver high-quality work.
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 artificial intelligence.
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 experiences to inform programmatic strategies, research projects, and policy recommendations.
Develop approaches to apply innovations in contexts beyond the DoW.