Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist

About the role

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

As a Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist at the SEI, you'll have the opportunity to work directly with DoD policy groups and DoD programs, leading and participating on client and research teams that are focused on solving the toughest software acquisition challenges. In this position, you'll be part of a mission-focused culture of collaboration, transparency, and delivering 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 DoD acquisition programs to develop and review acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies
• Research software-related risks associated with modern software-intensive systems acquired by the DoD
• Proactively work with stakeholders from across the acquisition enterprise to identify and address software-related policy needs
• Research the acquisition and policy implications of emerging software technologies and methods
• Abstract and synthesize data and experiences to inform programmatic strategies, research projects, and/or policy and regulatory recommendations
• Develop approaches to apply innovations into contexts beyond the DoD

Who you are

• You have 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 are a collaborative problem solver and negotiator who can facilitate team members and customers with disparate viewpoints to a positive resolution.
• You are a user-focused communicator who can read a room and adapt your communication style to meet people where they are.
• You communicate articulately and are adept at conveying complex topics to diverse audiences, including non-technical experts.
• You work confidently on diverse problems with multiple factors that require analysis, innovation, creativity, and evaluation.
• You have experience creating case studies, conducting data analysis, synthesizing these and/or other methods to support evidence-driven decision-making, and effectively communicating results.
• You deliver high-quality work and care about the impact of your work.
• You have technical experience and demonstrated thought leadership in applying at least one of the following in DoD acquisitions:
  • DevSecOps or software factories
  • Agile software methodologies
  • Digital engineering
  • DoD contract and financial planning and integrated performance management

• You have a combination of relevant education or experience. Your background, education, and experience is one of the following:
  • Practitioner, advanced, or professional Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Functional Area certification in a field supporting software acquisition with 7 years of recent experience in software-reliant programs
    
    Or
    
  • BS with 10 years' experience, MS with 8 years' experience, or PhD with 5 years' experience in a software-related or quantitative field

You are able to

• Work on site at client locations in the Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area on a weekly basis
• Travel to various locations (primarily within a 50-mile radius of the SEI's Arlington, VA office) to support the SEI's overall mission
• Pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active 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.

Who we are

The SEI delivers innovative methods, tools, algorithms, and frameworks to meet current software and cybersecurity needs and provide a foundation for combating future ones. The SEI works closely with defense and government organizations, industry, and academia to continually improve software-intensive systems. The SEI's core purpose is to help organizations improve software engineering capabilities and develop or acquire the right software, defect-free, within budget and on time, every time.

The Software Acquisition Pathways (SAP) team is a group of highly skilled technical professionals making a substantial impact on modernizing DoD software acquisition policy and the acquisition workforce. We provide meaningful, evidence-based guidance to DoD programs and other federal and state agencies.

We are driven by the SEI mission to establish and advance software as a strategic advantage for national security, pursuing progress through collaboration with our colleagues and clients. We continually pursue strategic and operational improvement and are focused on creating a team culture of continuous learning in a safe, inclusive, and diverse work environment.

Why work here?

• Join a world-class organization that has significant impact on software.
• Work with cutting edge technologies and experts to solve tough problems for the government and the nation.
• Get 8% monthly contribution for your retirement, without having to contribute yourself.
• Get tuition benefits to CMU and other institutions for you andyour dependent children.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance withflexible work arrangements and paid parental and military leave.
• Get access to university resources including mindfulness programs, child care and back-up care benefits, a monthly transit benefit on WMATA, free onsite gym at our Arlington facility, etc.
• Enjoy annual professional development opportunities; attend conferences and training or obtain a certification and get reimbursed for membership in professional societies.
• Qualify for relocation assistance.

Location

Job Function

Position Type

Full time/Part time

Pay Basis

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• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.