About this role
Job Description
Mission
The USSF is a military service that organizes, trains, and equips space force to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and to provide space capabilities to the joint force. USSF responsibilities include developing Guardians, acquiring military space systems, maturing the military doctrine for space power, and organizing space forces to present to our Combatant Commands.
Purpose of position: Serve as a Program Manager leading or supporting pre-award and post-award activities for assigned portfolios and/or programs to achieve the organizational mission of delivering responsive, mission-focused acquisition solutions to optimize warfighter operations. Purpose of position: To serve as a first level supervisor, directing major projects and studies related to methods and systems that impact Space Force-wide weapon systems testing.
Duties
Develops, implements, and controls contractual, financial, and technical aspects of a project/program through designated phases of the acquisition cycle for which no closely related precedents exist. Plans the management and acquisition strategy for assigned projects/programs within cost, schedule, and performance baselines as directed by the Program Director.
Assigned programs/projects are characterized by unusual factors and pressures that create a management situation resulting in a substantial element of uncertainty and risk as to the foreseeable outcome of acquisition efforts that are within the state-of-the-art. Vital aspects of the program require the development of new approaches to problems and the pursuit of alternative courses of action. Generates specific plans, goals, and objectives consistent with policies and requirements.
Provides input into source selection and contractor monitoring of acquisition phases from development through production and deployment. Advises Program Director of significant actions or problems and recommends solutions. Complies with all security directives and policies. Analyzes interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity; develops recommendations to solve problems; and applies program management principles to guide program accomplishment through the various phases of the acquisition cycle.
Program complexities frequently require reprogramming and adjustment of schedules, funding, and the activities of program participants. Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates activities of functional specialists including contracting, engineering, manufacturing, program control, configuration/data management, test, and logistics. Continually studies, reviews, and evaluates program progress.
Formalizes system requirements into appropriate specifications. Establishes management controls such as milestones, expenditure rates, management indicators, and management reviews to reflect program status and provide early detection of emerging problems. Reviews programming documents and/or accesses the impact of external actions to determine their effect on the development, production, and logistical support and to ensure that programs are within baseline and budgetary limitations.
Organizes teamwork efforts and may lead a team of specialists in resolving technical, schedule, cost, and supportability issues. Provides feedback to customers and keeps abreast of changing environments and potential shifts in emphasis or other program changes. Reviews and directs the progress of contractors in meeting program objectives. Takes appropriate actions to approve terms and conditions set forth in negotiations, contracting plans and budgets, subcontractor participation, and addition or discontinuance of work by the contractor.
Coordinates frequent program changes and engineering compromises to assess the resulting changes in other areas of the program. Visits contractors’ plant(s) to observe progress, discuss and resolve major problems, and otherwise ensure that contractor is meeting appropriate contractual provisions. Provides advice and assistance to contractors on requirements and policy matters. Represents the organization at executive levels within the Government and to contractor/industry representatives.
Participates in conferences and meetings to deliver presentations on project/program status, accomplishments, challenges encountered and anticipated, support requirements, and the integration and advocacy of program and project objectives. Negotiates and resolves controversial issues, advocates proposals and recommendations, and reports on progress in resolving critical issues.
Consults with acquisition managers and executives to influence future policies and initiatives from a program management perspective. Prepares, presents, defends, and interprets staff studies to the Program Director and/or other management officials. Conducts meetings and working groups to address problems, technical developments, program changes, etc., and to collectively prepare an approach to program changes. Briefs higher levels of management on program progress, problems, and other factors of interest or inquiry.
Required Experience
Knowledge and skills for the position
Knowledge of laws, principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition and program management.
Knowledge of business, industrial management, contracting procedures, technical concepts, and production practices to evaluate contractor proposals and activities.
Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the Department of Defense, Space Force, and other entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence the systems acquisition process.
Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, clearly, concisely, and with technical accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with individuals and groups within the office as well as outside the immediate work unit.
Ability to plan, organize, lead, and manage critical aspects of research, development, production, and support of subsystems or equipment, and integrate, analyze, and manage a variety of acquisition functions and personnel in support of the process.
Required Skills
Requirements for the position
- U.S. citizenship
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret w/SCI clearance.
- Required to handle and safeguard sensitive and/or classified information in accordance with regulations to reduce potential compromise.
- This is a drug testing designated position. The incumbent is subject to pre-employment drug testing as a condition of employment, and participation in random drug testing.
- May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
- This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). Must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
- May be required to work overtime on an unscheduled or emergency basis.
- Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.
- Incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually.