ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Acquisition Sme Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Systems Planning and Analysis

Acquisition SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Responsibilities The Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) will support the Joint Staff J-8 leadership with the management and oversight of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and other ...

New

Tenacious Solutions

Acquisition SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

Tenacious Solutions, LLC is seeking an Acquisition SME with an active public trust clearance to provide a client with Acquisition Support in the Northern VA area. Note this position is contingent ...

CRUCIBLE CJP

Senior Acquisition SME

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Senior Acquisition SME Functional Responsibilities * Work as part of a larger Program team reporting to contract support Manager * Provide direct support to CORs assigned to Program contracts * Lead ...

CRUCIBLE CJP

Senior Acquisition SME

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Senior Acquisition SME Functional Responsibilities * Work as part of a larger Program team reporting to contract support Manager * Provide direct support to CORs assigned to Program contracts * Lead ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAcquisition Sme Jobs

Acquisition Sme information

See salary details

$34K

$125.8K

$182.5K

How much do acquisition sme jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition sme in the United States is $125,764.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the most common challenges faced by acquisition SMEs in their daily work?

Acquisition SMEs often navigate complex regulatory requirements, evolving procurement guidelines, and competing stakeholder priorities, which can be challenging to balance while maintaining strict timelines. The role frequently involves coordinating with cross-functional teams, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and adapting to changes in buyer or vendor requirements. Successfully overcoming these challenges requires staying updated on industry best practices and fostering strong relationships with both internal clients and external partners. Many SMEs find the variety of work and opportunities to improve acquisition strategies both demanding and rewarding.

What is an acquisition SME?

An Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides specialized knowledge and guidance in procurement, contract management, and acquisition processes. They support organizations by ensuring compliance with regulations, optimizing acquisition strategies, and improving efficiency. Their expertise is crucial in managing vendor negotiations, risk assessments, and lifecycle cost analysis. Acquisition SMEs often work in government contracting, defense, or corporate procurement, helping teams make informed purchasing decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquisition SME?

To thrive as an Acquisition SME (Subject Matter Expert), you need deep expertise in procurement processes, contract management, and acquisition regulations, usually supported by a degree in business, contract management, or a related field. Familiarity with acquisition software, such as SAP or Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) systems, and certifications like DAWIA or Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) are common requirements. Excellent analytical thinking, communication, and negotiation skills help you provide guidance and bridge gaps between technical and business teams. These competencies ensure acquisition processes are compliant, cost-effective, and tailored to organizational needs.

More about Acquisition Sme jobs
What cities are hiring for Acquisition Sme jobs? Cities with the most Acquisition Sme job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Acquisition Sme jobs? The most popular types of Acquisition Sme jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Acquisition Sme jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Acquisition Sme jobs are:
Acquisition Sme jobs near you
Infographic showing various Acquisition Sme job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,764 per year, or $60.5 per hour.

Acquisition SME

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing results that matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.   

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War (DoW), Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues. 

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group (ATAG) within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the DoW. These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future. 

We have an upcoming need for an Acquisition Subject Matter Expert to provide onsite support at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA. 

Responsibilities

The Acquisition Subject Matter Expert (SME) will support the Joint Staff J-8 leadership with the management and oversight of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and other programs as assigned (i.e. Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA); Software Acquisition; and ACAT III-level programs). This will include providing acquisition subject matter expertise; providing timely supporting analyses related to Joint Force capabilities acquisition; performing and summarizing cost, schedule, and performance analyses; and applying expertise in the DoW requirements generation and approval processes. The SME will also conduct acquisition analyses to identify, assess, and recommend courses of action to Joint Staff leadership, and participate in acquisition-related forums and oversight bodies (such as Milestone Decisions, Configuration Steering Boards, Overarching Integrated Product Teams, Test Events, etc.) to provide proactive analysis to advise Joint Staff leadership in the oversight of assigned programs. The analyst will be responsible for developing, organizing, and maintaining a comprehensive file of information products for assigned programs to include briefings, information papers, decision briefs, decision memoranda, and emails. 

Qualifications

Required: 

  • Master's Degree 
  • 20+ years of experience with National Security and Military Operations; a PhD can be substituted for 5 years of experience 
  • Experience with DoD Program Management procedures 
  • Experience with DoD acquisition programs and the DoD 5000 series 
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired: 

  • Project Management Professional or DAWIA certification in Program Management
Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $150,000.00/Yr. - USD $175,000.00/Yr.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply