**Description**
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.
**Acquisition Program Management Lead (On-Site)**
Support a high-visibility Air Force front office organization by leading acquisition and program management activities across multiple mission-critical efforts. Serve as a key advisor and task lead supporting senior Air Force leadership, ensuring acquisition objectives, program execution, and strategic priorities are aligned with Department of the Air Force and DoD directives.
**Acquisition & Program Management**
+ Lead and manage acquisition-related program efforts throughout the program lifecycle, including planning, requirements development, execution, sustainment, and transition activities.
+ Support Air Force acquisition initiatives in accordance with DoDI 5000 series guidance, Air Force acquisition policies, and applicable program management frameworks.
+ Coordinate and monitor program execution activities to ensure cost, schedule, and performance objectives are achieved.
**Front Office & Executive-Level Support**
+ Interface directly with high-level Air Force personnel, government leadership, program offices, and external stakeholders to support strategic acquisition initiatives and mission priorities.
+ Prepare and present executive-level briefings, program updates, decision support materials, and status reports for senior leaders and front office leadership teams.
+ Support leadership in prioritizing competing requirements, resolving programmatic issues, and driving strategic decision-making.
**Task Lead & Team Oversight**
+ Serve as a task lead overseeing day-to-day activities of cross-functional teams supporting acquisition and program execution efforts.
+ Provide supervisory-level leadership, mentorship, and direction to team members while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and customer expectations.
+ Coordinate workload distribution, monitor deliverables, and ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and action items.
**Program Planning & Execution**
+ Develop and maintain integrated program schedules, acquisition documentation, milestone planning activities, and execution strategies.
+ Support planning and execution of acquisition phases including requirements analysis, systems engineering coordination, testing, fielding, and sustainment activities.
+ Track program metrics and identify risks, dependencies, and resource constraints impacting program objectives.
**Compliance, Risk Management & Contract Oversight**
+ Ensure compliance with Air Force, DoD, and federal acquisition regulations, policies, and governance processes.
+ Identify and mitigate program risks related to schedule, cost, technical performance, and contract execution.
+ Monitor contractor performance and coordinate with contracting, engineering, and program office personnel to ensure deliverables meet mission requirements.
**Documentation & Reporting**
+ Prepare, review, and maintain acquisition and program management documentation including Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Reviews (PMRs), Systems Engineering Plans (SEPs), risk assessments, briefing packages, and executive correspondence.
+ Provide detailed reporting and recommendations to senior Air Force leadership regarding program health, acquisition strategy, and operational impacts.
**Additional Responsibilities**
+ Foster collaboration across government, military, and contractor teams in a dynamic Air Force operational environment.
+ Support special projects, front office initiatives, and other duties as assigned.
+ This position is fully on-site in support of Air Force mission operations.
+ Will perform other duties as assigned.
**Required Qualifications** :
+ **Must be a U.S. Citizen**
+ **Experience** : Minimum of 10 years of program management experience, with at least 5 years specifically working within a Department of Defense (DoD) setting.
+ **Security Clearance** : Top-Secret security clearance is required. (May consider candidates with a current Secret clearance)
+ **Education** : Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering, Business, Management) required. Advanced degree (e.g., Master's in Program