Principal Acquisition Program Manager

Are you a seasoned strategic thinker with a passion for shaping the future of Air Force acquisitions? We’re seeking a Principal Acquisition Program Manager to serve as a trusted advisor and documentation expert at the heart of mission-critical program execution. In this role, you’ll leverage deep DoD acquisition expertise to craft winning strategies, produce high-impact documentation, and guide complex Air Force programs from concept to execution — ensuring readiness and superiority for the warfighter.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support. Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers. 

• The candidate must be able to work proactively, with minimal supervision, and effectively communicate orally and in writing, providing quality ZT acquisition and program documentation (briefings, documents, plans, etc.).
• The candidate plans, analyzes, and assesses development, production, and deployment of systems associated with network and equipment upgrades; formulates plans and recommends innovative and effective strategies in meeting cost, schedule, risk and ZT performance and testing objectives. Experience tracking and reporting on ZT security metrics is desired.
• The candidate collaborates with a diverse group of multi-MAJCOM, program office, and HNI program stakeholders to determine specific needs and scheduling requirements. Candidate to counsel within the expertise area, to include oversight and task execution utilizing leadership, teamwork, and diplomacy. The candidate plans, schedules, and facilitates a variety of exchanges and meetings with the program office team, stakeholders, and industry to understand program requirements and scheduling conflicts to proactively identify schedule gaps and offer solutions. In doing so, the candidate will support program management reviews, senior-level meeting/reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews. The candidate shall be able to support and develop various briefings/schedules of program status and acquisition tasks to senior management. Possesses experience in identifying acquisition strategy issues and proposing alternative solutions. Demonstrated experience in assisting with strategic-level issues and ability to work independently as well as a team member under tight deadlines with changing priorities. Possesses proven leadership, team building, strategic planning, and organizational development skills.
• Possesses the advanced knowledge, experience, and recognized ability to be considered an expert in their technical/professional field and possess the ability to perform tasks and oversee the efforts of junior and mid-level personnel within the technical/professional discipline.
• Will demonstrate advanced knowledge of their technical/professional/scheduling discipline as well as possess a comprehensive understanding and ability to apply associated standards, procedures, and practices in their area of expertise. (Program Office, Enterprise, and Staff Level Support interface).
• The candidate shall have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of principles, policies, and practices of systems acquisition and program management. Must possess the knowledge of roles and relationships within the DoD and the DAF to provide strategic and tactical program planning (short-term, mid-term, and long-term plans) in furthering Zero Trust (ZT) program capabilities. Familiarity with NIST Zero Trust Architectures is highly desired. The candidate has the knowledge of support activities that assist the program manager in assessing what is within schedule, budget, and risk baselines, and be able to recommend viable solutions to problems, including the development of COAs to align Integrated Master Schedules with Purple Team Assessment testing and pursue alternative courses of action. Proven ability to identify and mitigate risks in complex projects, resulting in prevented schedule delays.
• Individual will perform other duties as assigned.

Job Experience:

• Highly desired to have held a position on Air Force Headquarter Staff, preferably at SAF/AQ and/or PEO Staff. 
• Must have direct experience with acquisition reporting, including but not limited to DAES, MAR, Selective Acquisition Review (SAR), and GAO audits. 
• Desirable to have experience in more than one acquisition discipline, especially program management and financial management.
• PMP or equivalent certification preferred

Minimum Education/Experience Requirements:

• Active Secret Security Clearance
• Must be a US citizen
• Advanced Degree (MA/MS) 
• 12+ years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, 8 years of which must be in a DoD setting

The annual salary range: $164k - $182k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

The contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a).  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.