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Defense Acquisition Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lamwork

Acquisition Engineer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$142.24 - $233.73/hr

Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) * Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM) * Project Management Professional (PMP) * Certified Scrum Master (CSM) * Systems Engineering ...

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Defense Acquisition information

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$158.5K

How much do defense acquisition jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense acquisition in the United States is $78,954.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense acquisition?

A Defense Acquisition job involves managing the procurement of military equipment, technology, and services for the government. Professionals in this field work on budgeting, contracting, and overseeing the lifecycle of defense systems to ensure they meet military requirements. They collaborate with industry partners, ensure compliance with federal regulations, and support national security objectives. These roles exist within organizations such as the Department of Defense (DoD) and defense contractors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in defense acquisition, and why are they important?

To thrive in Defense Acquisition, you generally need a background in contract management, procurement regulations, and defense or government acquisition processes, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like DAWIA (Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act). Familiarity with federal procurement tools (such as SAM.gov), contract writing systems, and cost analysis software is highly valued. Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities help professionals stand out in this field. These skills ensure compliance, efficient resource allocation, and successful collaboration among multidisciplinary project teams within the defense sector.

What are the typical career advancement opportunities in defense acquisition roles?

Defense Acquisition professionals can progress from entry-level analyst or specialist positions to higher-level roles such as program manager, contracting officer, or acquisition executive within government agencies or defense contractors. As you gain experience and additional certifications, you may have opportunities to lead larger, more complex projects or manage entire acquisition programs. The field often encourages professional development through formal training programs, such as those required by DAWIA or similar certifications. Advancement is typically based on a combination of technical expertise, demonstrated leadership, and ability to manage complex procurement processes.

What cities are hiring for Defense Acquisition jobs?

Cities with the most Defense Acquisition job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Acquisition jobs?

The most popular types of Defense Acquisition jobs are:

What states have the most Defense Acquisition jobs?

States with the most job openings for Defense Acquisition jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Defense Acquisition jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Acquisition jobs are:

Defense Acquisition jobs near you
Infographic showing various Defense Acquisition job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,954 per year, or $38 per hour.

Missile Defense Acquisition Analyst

Systems Planning and Analysis

Arlington, VA • On-site

$165K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 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 Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, 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 within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of War (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, the 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 immediate need for a Golden Dome Missile Defense Analyst to provide onsite support at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities
SPA is seeking a senior-level analyst to support the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Strategic, Space, and Intelligence Portfolio Management (DASW(SSIPM)) and to serve as a key liaison to the Golden Dome for America initiative. The analyst will support DASW(SSIPM) and the Missile Defense team by monitoring missile defense-related activities and acquisition programs, and supporting implementation of the Missile Defense Review. The ideal candidate will apply experience with the DAES system, familiarity with the Middle Tier of Acquisition, and a demonstrated history of serving as an action officer supporting GO/FO/SES-level stakeholders.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Master's degree and 10+ years of experience in a combination of Missile Defense, acquisition, the PPBE process, or Missile Defense Agency (MDA)-related operational experience
  • Experience with HQ Staff at OSD, a Service, or other Agency-level organization
  • Understanding of DoDI 5000.02 and the DoD acquisition process, to include MDA-specific acquisitions
  • Ability to synthesize information into papers, briefings, and presentations for senior leadership
  • DAWIA certification in Program Management
  • Able to work fully onsite based on client needs

Desired:
  • Expertise with budgeting, requirements development, and/or Missile Defense Agency led-programs
  • Expertise writing for and presenting information to senior DoW decision makers

Pay Range Information
At 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 $165,000.00/Yr. - USD $205,000.00/Yr.

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