Mid-Level Systems Engineer/Acquisition Manager

Stellar Solutions, a nationally recognized Great Place to Work, is seeking a mid-level systems engineer / acquisition manager to support successful program formulation, procurement planning and execution and contract administration for NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). This position requires the ability to identify, analyze and solve NASA's programmatic challenges in new and different ways that involve the application of acquisition strategy development, program management, contracting and systems engineering best practices.

As a member of Stellar’s NASA Data Analysis and Technical Support Services team, the successful candidate will be working with the Technology Maturation Program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

In this role, you will be responsible for providing direct support to Game Changing Development (GCD) and Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative (LSII) leadership in building roadmaps and shortfall closure strategies that leverage Broad Agency Announcements and other innovative procurement mechanisms for engaging with Industry, Academia and other Mission Partners to solve NASA’s most pressing space technology challenges. Customer tasking in the areas of systems engineering, acquisition strategy development, procurement planning and technical program management includes:

1. Acquisition Planning & Documentation
   • Prepare and maintain acquisition strategy documents, including procurement strategy briefings and milestone schedules.
   • Ensure compliance with FAR and NFS requirements for acquisition planning and source selection.
2. Market Research & Alternatives Analysis
   • Conduct market research to identify viable acquisition approaches (e.g., contracts, Space Act Agreements, Broad Agency Announcements).
   • Evaluate commercial capabilities and partnership opportunities to reduce technical and programmatic risks.
3. Requirements Development & Risk Assessment
   • Collaborate with stakeholders to define technical requirements and identify capability gaps.
   • Perform risk analysis and recommend mitigation strategies for cost, schedule, and performance risks.
4. Source Selection Support
   • Develop evaluation criteria and assist in proposal review processes.
   • Support ranking and scoring of proposals based on relevance, technical merit, and funding availability.
5. Programmatic & Integration Support
   • Provide program planning and control, contract performance analysis, and integration support across multiple projects.
   • Develop operational metrics and dashboards for acquisition program performance tracking.
6. Stakeholder Engagement
   • Coordinate with internal teams, industry partners, and other government agencies to align acquisition strategies with mission objectives.
   • Prepare and deliver briefings to senior leadership and decision boards.
7. Compliance & Data Protection
   • Ensure adherence to organizational conflict of interest (OCI) plans and protect proprietary data during acquisition activities.

The successful candidate will possess thorough knowledge of federal procurement processes, as well as demonstrated program management experience. Performance of tasks is expected to take place remotely from an off-site location (home or Stellar Solutions office, as appropriate), though the customer may require up to 10% travel for participation in meetings and collaborative sessions on-site at various NASA Centers and partner locations within the United States. All required information systems and tools will be provided by the Government and Stellar Solutions.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years space systems engineering and integration experience, including acquisition of space systems.
• Broad experience in space systems R&D and systems engineering, project and program management, financial management, acquisition and procurement management support, technology risk reduction/development expertise, and expertise development strategic relationships with industry.
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of customers, senior leadership, program managers, mission managers, systems engineers, and chief engineers.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to achieve results within organizationally diverse teams through influence rather than direction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Project, as well as SharePoint and Teams.
• Ability to travel up to other NASA centers and supplier locations, up to 1- week per month at times.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in engineering, or related field.
• Working knowledge of NASA acquisition principles as documented in the NASA FAR Supplement (NFS) and NASA Policy Directive 1000.5C, Policy for NASA Acquisition.
• Working knowledge of NASA systems engineering principles and applying NASA space flight program and project management requirements.
• Experience with industry engagement and partnership development.
• Familiarity with the NASA program management fundamentals and mission development processes.
• Professional certification in program management, contracting, systems engineering or other applicable fields.

Skills

• Acquisition strategy development
• NASA FAR/NFS compliance
• Systems engineering lifecycle
• Stakeholder engagement and communication

Reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other documents as directed by the Government, using government approved and/or mandated systems/software and processes governed by guidance/instructions/policy or direction.