Systems Acquisition, Principal Jobs

Defense Acquisition Expert

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do.

The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership.

If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.

MITRE's Acquisition Division, Department for Acquisition Transformation & Applied Technologies (L581) is focused on advancing the art and science of cost analysis, acquisition, and management for national security missions. Our multidisciplinary team delivers objective, data-driven insights to help government sponsors make informed decisions about resource allocation, technology investments, and acquisition strategies. By combining deep expertise in cost estimation, acquisition policy, operations research, and analytics, the Acquisition Division enables sponsors to accelerate modernization, transition emerging technologies, and solve complex management challenges.

We foster collaboration across government, industry, and academia-driving innovation and shaping resilient, effective solutions for the nation's most critical missions. And above all - we bring objectivity, innovation, courage, and technical excellence to help our sponsors make the right decision.

L581 is seeking a well-connected and recognized expert on defense acquisition and innovation. The ideal candidate will be a credible authority on defense acquisition, emerging technologies, and national security processes. You will belong to a high-performing team that regularly initiates and implements projects in support of senior and executive level Sponsors' strategic initiatives within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The team will advise senior and executive-level government officials and directly support the MDA Director for Acquisition and Sustainment.

Responsibilities include:

• Effectively engage and motivate sponsors, stakeholders, and the larger enterprise on acquisition modernization and agility topics ranging from acquisition policy to technology assessments, commercialization, and mission needs.
• Provide subject matter expertise on DoW acquisition practices at Joint and Service echelons, to include Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), processes applied across the defense innovation and rapid acquisition ecosystems, and advanced knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Register (FAR), Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), Defense Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), MDA-specific Directives and Instructions in order to inform and guide reform and transformation initiatives.
• Develop and propose innovative strategies, policies, and processes that improve MDA defense acquisition outcomes, ranging from programs, portfolios, and agency enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Contribute with impact as part of one or more integrated product teams to enable MDA to transition emerging technologies and prototypes.
• Strategically communicate internally and externally on key issues related to defense acquisition.
• Build and manage relationships between senior and executive sponsors, MITRE, and other stakeholders (Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), think tanks, Industry, academia).
• Implement Transformational Acquisition Strategies consistent with Executive orders and Department of War (DoW) guidance.

Qualifications include:

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 8 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
• Broad exposure and significant roles across the DoW's acquisition environment, including the innovation ecosystem.
• Possession of an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) certification at a minimum of Level II in Program Management (PM), or equivalent DAWIA certification, demonstrating validated proficiency in defense acquisition principles, program execution, and compliance or on track to achieve.
• Track record of providing successful thought leadership in applying, teaching, or leading defense acquisition reform or modernization - prior experience as an acquisition professional, by itself, is not sufficient for this role.
• Experience…