ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Acquisition Program Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Astrion

Cyber Acquisition Program Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

Overview Cyber Acquisition Program Manager LOCATION: El Segundo, CA TRAVEL: 25% JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCI Eligible SALARY RANGE: Estimated $150,000 + annually* *depending on ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcquisition Program JobsAcquisition Program Manager JobsAcquisition Program Manager Jobs in California

Acquisition Program Manager information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$85.7K

$148K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in California is $85,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,300.00 and $110,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the average salary for a programme manager?

The average salary for an Acquisition Program Manager typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher compensation, often exceeding $180,000 per year.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Acquisition Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Acquisition Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with acquisition management systems, federal contracting tools, and certifications like DAWIA or PMP are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities help build consensus among stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure successful program delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of resources in acquisition environments.

How much do acquisition managers make in the US?

Acquisition program managers in the US typically earn between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000. The role often requires knowledge of procurement processes, project management, and relevant regulations.

What does an acquisition program manager do?

An acquisition program manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of complex projects related to acquiring products, services, or systems for an organization. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage budgets and schedules, and ensure compliance with regulations and contractual requirements. Strong project management skills and knowledge of procurement processes are essential in this role.

What does an acquisitions manager do?

An acquisitions manager oversees the process of identifying, evaluating, and acquiring assets, products, or services for an organization. They coordinate negotiations, conduct market research, and ensure compliance with procurement policies, often using tools like procurement software. Strong negotiation, analytical skills, and knowledge of procurement regulations are essential for this role.

What are Acquisition Program Managers?

Acquisition Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement and lifecycle of products, services, or systems within an organization, often in government or defense sectors. They coordinate project timelines, budgets, and requirements to ensure successful delivery and compliance with regulations. Their role involves working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and mitigating risks throughout the acquisition process.

What are some common challenges Acquisition Program Managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Acquisition Program Managers often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including engineers, finance specialists, and contract officers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Balancing the needs of various departments while ensuring program timelines and budgets are met requires strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to shifting requirements and regulatory changes is a frequent challenge, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving important qualities for success in the role.

What is the difference between Acquisition Program Manager vs Contract Specialist?

AspectAcquisition Program ManagerContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, often with contracting certifications like FAC-C or DAWIA
Work EnvironmentOversees large acquisition projects, collaborates with multiple teamsFocuses on contract development, negotiation, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense, aerospaceGovernment agencies, defense, federal contracting
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in acquisitionsUnderstanding contract management roles in acquisitions

The Acquisition Program Manager and Contract Specialist roles both operate within government and defense sectors, but the Program Manager oversees entire acquisition projects, while the Contract Specialist focuses on contract details and compliance. Both require related certifications and work environments, making them common points of comparison for professionals in procurement and acquisition fields.

What are popular job titles related to Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California? For Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Acquisition Program Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Acquisition Program Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Acquisition Program Manager job openings:
Acquisition Program Manager jobs near you

Cyber Acquisition Program Manager

Astrion

El Segundo, CA

$150K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview

Cyber Acquisition Program Manager

LOCATION: El Segundo, CA
TRAVEL: 25%

JOB STATUS: Full-time
CLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCI Eligible

SALARY RANGE: Estimated $150,000 + annually*

*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications

U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Sensing Directorate, Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program office is looking for a Cyber Acquisition Program Manager to support the program office at Los Angeles AFB. FORGE is a ground system that supports the Next-Gen Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) program, continued operations of legacy Space Based Infrared Systems (SBIRS), new constellations such as the Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, and future sensors. FORGE delivers enhanced capabilities to space operators and warfighters for Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Battlespace Awareness, Technical Intelligence, and Civil/Environmental operations. FORGE provides cyber-secure and efficient processing of the increased amounts of data that will be collected by SBIRS, Next-Gen OPIR satellite payloads, MEO, LEO, and future constellations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Master’s degree in engineering, or related technical field. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for degree requirement. Education equivalent per contract: 12 years work experience may be substituted for a Master's Degree; OR Bachelor's Degree plus 8 years work experience may be substituted for a Master's Degree.
  • Minimum 10+ years of experience with MAJCOM level organizations and processes to include a working level knowledge of requirements generation, integration, test and evaluation.
  • Familiarity with Space System Command (Formerly Space and Missile Systems Center)
  • Excellent and detail-oriented organizational, interpersonal, and communications skills

  • The Cyber Acquisition Program Manager is responsible for leading the planning, acquisition, integration, and execution of cybersecurity capabilities for FORGE and interfacing programs that support Space Sensing mission objectives. This role serves as the primary interface among technical teams, government stakeholders, contractors, and senior leadership to ensure cyber solutions are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with applicable acquisition and cybersecurity requirements.

  • The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, federal acquisition processes, and program management best practices. They must be skilled at building consensus, influencing stakeholders, and effectively managing competing priorities in complex, high-pressure environments.

  • Experience supporting cyber operations, cyber defense, cloud security, or enterprise cybersecurity initiatives.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

  • Strategic thinker with strong organizational and analytical skills.
  • Skilled at managing difficult personalities and competing stakeholder interests while maintaining productive working relationships.
  • Strong executive presence and ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders.
  • Results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to drive programs forward despite ambiguity and organizational challenges.
  • Collaborative leader capable of aligning technical and business objectives across diverse teams.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as the overall program lead delegate responsible for successful delivery of cybersecurity requirements, ensuring alignment with organizational, customer, and mission objectives.
  • Develop and maintain integrated program plans, schedules, budgets, resource allocations, and performance metrics.
  • Establish and manage program governance structures, including Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), working groups, and executive steering committees.
  • Track and manage program execution against cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality objectives.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, issues, and dependencies while maintaining comprehensive risk management documentation.
  • Lead cross-functional teams consisting of cybersecurity professionals, engineers, contracting personnel, operations teams, and external stakeholders.
  • Develop acquisition and execution strategies that balance mission needs, technical requirements, budget constraints, and schedule demands.
  • Manage program changes through formal change management processes and ensure stakeholders understand impacts to cost, schedule, and scope.
  • Conduct recurring program reviews and provide clear, actionable recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Coordinate and prepare executive-level briefings, decision papers, status reports, and milestone reviews.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, cybersecurity, and organizational requirements throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Drive accountability across teams and stakeholders while fostering collaboration and maintaining positive working relationships.
  • Resolve complex organizational challenges, competing priorities, and stakeholder conflicts to keep programs on track.

#CJ