Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist

About the role

We’re seeking an acquisition innovator to join our team of high-performing, highly experienced professionals and researchers to shape the development of forward-thinking DoD software acquisition policy and practice. 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 Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist at the SEI, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with DoD policy teams and 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 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 policy 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, research projects, and policy recommendations
• Develop approaches to apply innovations into contexts beyond the DoD

Who you are

• You have good understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, with 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 have good understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and use of Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), with some experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs).
• You have experience in at least one of the following areas, in DoD acquisitions:
  • DevSecOps or software factories
  • Agile software methodologies
  • Digital engineering and model-based systems engineering
  • 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 10 years’ experience; MS in the same fields with 8 years’ experience; or PhD in those fields with 5 years’ experience.

You are able to

• You’re willing 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.
   

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.
 

Our benefits

Our benefits philosophy encompasses three driving priorities: choice, control, and well-being. Through Carnegie Mellon University, SEI offers a wide range of competitive employee benefits to help you live well, including comprehensive health insurance, tuition benefits, generous time off, and a robust retirement savings policy.
 

To learn more, visit these resources:

• Why Carnegie Mellon to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world. 
• Benefits at Glance to get a listing of all employee benefits.
• Staff Member Benefits to get detailed information about benefits for employees who are not faculty. 

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 and your dependent children.
• Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with flexible 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. 

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits available to eligible employees.

Those employees who are benefits eligible have the opportunity to experience the full spectrum of advantages from comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance to an enticing retirement savings program offering a generous employer contribution. You can also unlock your potential with tuition benefits and take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays. Finally, rest easy knowing you are covered by life and accidental death and disability insurance. 

Other perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and so much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits that may be awaiting you, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond just credentials, we consider the role and responsibilities, your invaluable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We acknowledge and appreciate your unique skills and the diverse perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Are you interested in an exciting opportunity with an exceptional organization?! Apply today!

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: