Senior Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA

Arlington, VA

Full time

2025274

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 DoW software acquisition policy and practice. If you have experience in modern DoW software acquisitions and are a creative thinker who can seek solutions to complex challenges, we’d love to meet you.

As a Software Acquisition Innovation Specialist at the SEI, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with DoW 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 DoW acquisition programs on the development and execution of acquisition strategies, tools, and assets that incorporate modern software approaches and technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI)

• 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 DoW 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 DoW

Who you are

• You have strong understanding of the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, with recent direct experience applying the DoW Software Acquisition Pathway (DoDI 5000.87), as well as other accelerated/innovative acquisition approaches for software-enabled capabilities.

• You have experience developing and executing acquisition strategies in embedded systems or command and control (C2) programs.

• You have good understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and use of Other Transaction Authority (OTAs), with experience writing Requests for Proposal (RFPs).

• You have experience in at least two of the following areas, in DoW acquisitions:

• DevSecOps or software factories

• Agile software methodologies

• Digital engineering and model-based systems engineering

• Modern test and evaluation methodologies

• Integrating AI capabilities or systems

• DoW contract and financial planning and integrated performance management

• You may also have a War 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.

• Pass a background check and obtain and maintain an active Department of War security clearance.

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 Acquisition Policy, Practice & Integration (APPI) team is a group of highly skilled technical professionals making a substantial impact in transforming DoW software acquisition policy and the acquisition workforce. We integrate empirical analysis, software engineering & AI research, and acquisition science provide meaningful, evidence-based guidance to DoW 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.

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

Benefits eligible (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/eligibility/index.html) employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/health-welfare/index.html) as well as a generous retirement savings program (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/retirement-savings/index.html) with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/tuition/index.html) , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/pto.html) and observed holidays (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/time-away/holidays.html) , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/work-life/support/family-child-care-resources/index.html) to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access (https://athletics.cmu.edu/recreation/facilities) , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page (https://www.cmu.edu/hr/benefits/index.html) .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the 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:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon (http://www.cmu.edu/jobs/why-cmu/index.html) ” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.

• Click here (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/benefits-at-a-glance/) to view a listing of employee benefits

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

• Statement of Assurance (https://www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html)

Interested in a career with Carnegie Mellon University but not finding anything that currently aligns with your interests, background, or experience? Learn how to sign up for Job Alerts (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/external-applicants.html#job-alerts) through your candidate profile.

If your heart is in your work, come work with us. Carnegie Mellon University isn’t just one of the world’s most renowned educational institutions – it’s also a hotspot for some of the most talented doers, dreamers, and difference-makers on the planet. When you join our staff, you’ll become an important part of our mission to create a healthier, safer, and more just life for all. No matter what your role or location, you’ll connect and collaborate with dedicated, passionate colleagues – and you’ll have the satisfaction of delivering work that truly matters.

We cultivate a vibrant, welcoming environment where everyone is valued and encouraged to contribute and achieve. In addition to competitive benefits and a robust support network, you’ll have access to many tools and resources to sharpen your abilities and professional skills, as well as opportunities to engage and share perspectives with a dynamic and inspiring community of uniquely talented staff, faculty, students, and alumni.

The future is awaiting your expertise and intellect. Come join the architects of what’s next. Apply now.

Learn more about Student Employment (https://www.cmu.edu/sfs/student-employment/index.html) .

Please see Faculty Careers. (https://www.cmu.edu/faculty-office/faculty-recruitment/faculty-careers.html)

For technical assistance, email HR Services ([email protected]) or call 412-268-4600.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [email protected] or by phone at 412-268-5072.

Prospective Employee Disclosures (https://www.cmu.edu/jobs/disclosures/index.html)