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Software Acquisition Specialist

Software Engineering Institute
Pittsburgh, PA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/16/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/13/2025

About the role

We're seeking an acquisition specialist to join our team of high-performing, highly experienced professionals and researchers to shape the development of forward-thinking software acquisition policy and practice for the Department of Defense (DoD). If you have experience in modern DoD software acquisitions and are a creative thinker who can seek solutions to complex challenges, we'd love to meet you.

As a Software Acquisition Specialist at the SEI, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with DoD programs, leading and participating in client and research teams to solve the toughest software acquisition challenges. In this position, you'll be part of a mission-focused culture of collaboration and transparency that delivers timely, high-quality, high-impact work. We are leading the way in establishing acquisition approaches for advanced software technologies and methods.

What you'll do

  • Collaborate with and advise DoD acquisition programs on the development and execution of acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies
  • Proactively work with stakeholders from across the acquisition enterprise to identify and address software-related needs both in and across programs
  • Research the acquisition implications of emerging software technologies and methods
  • Collaborate with technical teams across the SEI to identify and execute on opportunities to transition the SEI's technical innovations into DoD acquisition programs
  • Abstract and synthesize data and experiences to inform programmatic strategies and research projects
  • Develop approaches to apply innovations into contexts beyond the DoD

Who you are

  • You understand the Adaptive Acquisition Framework and have recent direct experience applying the DoD Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87), Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) strategies, or other accelerated / innovative acquisition approaches for software-enabled capabilities.
  • You understand the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the use of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), and you have some experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
  • You have experience in at least one of the following areas, in DoD acquisitions :

    • o DevSecOps or software factories

    o Agile software methodologies

    o digital engineering and model-based systems engineering

    o DoD contract and financial planning and integrated performance management

  • You may also have a Defense Acquisition University certification in a field supporting software acquisition.
  • You are a collaborative problem solver.
  • You communicate clearly and can adapt your communication style to different audiences.
  • You are eager to work on diverse problems with multiple factors that require analysis, innovation, creativity, and evaluation.
  • You deliver high-quality work and care about the impact of your work.
  • You have a combination of relevant education and experience : BS in a software-related, quantitative / analytical, or acquisition-relevant field with 8 years' experience; MS in the same fields with 5 years' experience; or PhD in those fields with 2 years' experience.

    • You are able to :

  • Travel (approximately 25%) outside your office location to other SEI offices, sponsor sites, conferences, and offsite meetings.
  • You will be subject to a background investigation and must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense security clearance.
  • Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work for CMU in the United States. CMU will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity.

    • Location

    Arlington, VA, Pittsburgh, PA

    Job Function

    Software / Applications Development / Engineering

    Position Type

    Staff - Regular

    Full time / Part time

    Full time

    Pay Basis

    Salary More Information :

  • Please visit "Why Carnegie Mellon" to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
  • Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
  • Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran .
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