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Acquisition Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acquisition program Managers support tasks touching every aspect of the acquisition process, including technology development and integrating engineering, program control, foreign disclosure, test ...

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Acquisition Program Manager information

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$43.5K

$86.8K

$150K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in the United States is $86,801.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,000.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Acquisition Program Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Acquisition Program Manager jobs? Cities with the most Acquisition Program Manager job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Acquisition Program Manager jobs? The top employers for Acquisition Program Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Acquisition Program Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Acquisition Program Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Acquisition Program Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Acquisition Program Manager jobs are:
Infographic showing various Acquisition Program Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,801 per year, or $41.7 per hour.
Acquisition Program Manager

Acquisition Program Manager

The Air Force Civilian Service

Fort Washington, MD • On-site

$121.78K - $166.54K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Air Force Civilian Service rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 46 rated military and defense


Job description

It takes more than 170,000 Air Force Federal employees to fly, fix, fight and Win in Air, Space, and Cyberspace. In Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS); we support the men and women in uniform and provide every kind of support service needed to fulfill the Air Force mission.
The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) is looking for 2 full-time Acquisition Program Managers (GG-1101-13) to work at the Competitive Portfolio Office (CPO), in the Concepts, Development, and Management Office (SAF/CDM), Located in Fort Washington, Maryland.
In this position you serve as a an Acquisition Program Manager for the Competitive Portfolio Office (CPO) and provides authoritative programmatic, technical, and management advice to the Capability Manager and senior staff members on all aspects of acquisition and contracting activities. Supports the development and identification of acquisition strategies and manages and executes existing contracts to ensure CPO and Air Force requirements are satisfied.
This position is a Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) position aligned under
authorities of Section 1601, Chapter 83 of Title 10, United States Code and DoD Instruction 1400.25-V2007.
This position can close at any time. Apply Now!
Salary Range is $121,784 - $166,541 Annually based on experience.
AFCS Benefits:
Paid Time Off:
• 11 Federal Holidays each year
• 13 sick leave days earned per year (accumulative)
Paid Vacation Time:
• 13-26 days per year based on length of employment
Health Insurance:
• No waiting period to qualify for you and your family
Retirement:
• Immediate coverage by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
• Basic Benefits Plan
• Social Security
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), similar to a 401(k) (Automatically receive 1% agency contributions and up to 5% matching)
• U.S. Citizenship
• Position is designated special-sensitive and incumbent must be able to obtain and retain a TOP SECRET (TS) security clearance with access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). A non-disclosure agreement must be signed.)
• Drug Testing: This position has been designated by the Air Force as a Testing Designated
• Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Testing Program. Employee must pass initial and
periodic short notice drug testing. Illegal drug use by employees in sensitive positions presents a clear threat to the mission of the Air Force, national security, and public safety.
• Mobility is a condition of employment. The employee must sign an Air Force-wide mobility
agreement.
• This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP).
• The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• Employee is expected to meet Continuing Acquisition Education requirements.
• This is a Mission Essential (ME) position performing a Mission Critical Function (MCF) which must continue uninterrupted after the occurrence of an emergency and continued through full resumption of all functions. IAW, DoDI 3020-42, Defense Continuity Programs.
• This position is Acquisition Category 4 Level III and incumbent must meet appropriate
certification requirements IAW the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) no later than 24 months after accepting this position.
RECRUITMENT KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSA):
• Mastery knowledge of contracting practices of business and industry, and qualitative evaluation techniques sufficient to evaluate contractor compliance with cost schedule criteria programs to evaluate compliance with Defense and Air Force contract rules and program requirements and accomplishments.
• Mastery knowledge of contracting policies and procedures to develop contract requirements and to serve as a representative in contractual activities. Knowledge of the missions, roles, functions, organizational structures, and operation of the Department of Defense, Air Force, and other entities that govern, interface with, and/or influence the systems acquisition process and integrated life cycle management.
• Skill to plan, organize, and direct the functions and staff in critical aspects of development and production, support of systems, subsystems, or equipment and to coordinate various aspects of systems acquisition such as engineering, contracting, financial management, configuration, test, manufacturing, and integrated logistics support.
• Ability to plan, organize, and manage critical aspects of research, development, production, and support of subsystems or equipment, and integrate, analyze, and manage a variety of acquisition functions and personnel in support of the process.
• DAWIA Level II Certification as a Program Manager.
Click the apply button to complete an application and upload resume (PDF or Word Doc) and/or additional documents (Transcripts, certifications, Vet Docs (DD214), SF-50).
To receive additional information about current and future job openings with AFCS via email notification, please register at www.Afciviliancareers.com and sign up to "Get Career Updates."
AFCS is Equal Opportunity Employer. U.S. citizenship required. Must be of legal working age.

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