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Acquisition Program Manager Jobs in Washington, DC

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Program Manager

Arlington, VA

Leadership experience in US Service-related military operations or defense acquisition program management related to weapons system acquisition, employment and life cycle management * Familiarity ...

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Acquisition Program Manager information

See Washington, DC salary details

$49.3K

$98.3K

$169.9K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in Washington, DC is $98,311.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acquisition program manager?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquisition program manager?

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.

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 Washington, DC?

For Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Washington, DC are:

Acquisition Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisition Program Manager job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,311 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Lead Acquisition Program Specialist

Patent and Trademark Office

Alexandria, VA • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Office of the Commissioner for Patents, Office of Patent Financial Management (OPFM), Acquisition and Travel Division (ATD). OPFM is responsible for managing and overseeing Patent specific resources in support of the establishment of Patent program activity targets; and providing Patent program-specific budget, financial management, travel, and acquisition support to the program areas reporting to the Commissioner for Patents.
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Duties
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The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.
This position partners with program offices throughout the Patents organization, providing expert acquisition guidance to customers who rely on acquisition professionals to navigate the federal procurement process. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy:
  • Developing acquisition strategies and guiding program offices through the full acquisition lifecycle, from requirements development through contract administration and performance oversight.
  • Analyzing acquisition programs, business operations, and procurement processes to identify opportunities that improve efficiency, strengthen compliance, and deliver measurable business results.
  • Overseeing complex contracts by monitoring contractor performance, reviewing financials and deliverables, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, and protecting the Government's interests throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
  • Building collaborative relationships with leadership, program offices, and stakeholders by providing expert acquisition guidance, helping customers navigate the federal acquisition process, and delivering business solutions that support the Patents organization.
  • Serving as a technical leader by mentoring and coaching acquisition staff, sharing acquisition expertise, and leading process improvements that strengthen acquisition operations.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
  • Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
  • Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
  • If selected, you may be required to complete a one year probationary period.
  • You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
  • Suitable for Federal Employment
  • Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
  • This position requires the completion of OGE-450 Financial Disclosure.

Qualifications
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at General Business and Industry Series 1101.
Selective Placement Factor: Applicants must possess an active FAC-COR Level III certification, or a comparable Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) certification recognized by a Federal agency as equivalent at the time of application.
Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 in the Federal service:
Specialized experience for this position includes all of the following:
  • Planning and advising on the full acquisition lifecycle, including developing acquisition strategies, requirements documents, statements of work (SOWs) or performance work statements (PWSs), and providing acquisition guidance to managers or program officials.
  • Overseeing complex contract administration, including monitoring contractor performance, reviewing financials and deliverables, ensuring compliance with contract requirements, and serving as a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or performing comparable contract oversight responsibilities.
  • Analyzing acquisition operations and recommending improvements by preparing analyses, reports, or recommendations that strengthen acquisition processes, improve organizational performance, and support leadership decision making.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
Additional information
Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement unless eligible for special hiring authority, reinstatement eligible, non-current Federal employee applying as a VEOA eligible which do not require time-in-grade/band.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.
This is a Non Bargaining Unit position.
If selected for this position, you may be required to complete the Fair Credit Act Memo, which gives consent so that one or more consumer credit reports may be obtained for employment purposes.
This is a Public Trust position and has a risk level designation of "moderate risk".
Background Investigation - If selected for this position, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306), which includes a fingerprint and credit check, to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.
The USPTO participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the Department of Homeland Security Website.
All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
Relocation Expenses are not authorized and will not be paid.
CTAP and ICTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP and ICTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: OPM CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP/ICTAP documentation requirements are listed in the 'Required Documents' section of this announcement.
More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued.
All application materials become the property of the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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