Defense Think Tank Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us. Department Summary: MITRE's Acquisition Division, Department for Acquisition Transformation & Applied Technologies (L581) is focused on advancing the art and science of cost analysis, acquisition, and management for national security missions. Our multidisciplinary team delivers objective, data-driven insights to help government sponsors make informed decisions about resource allocation, technology investments, and acquisition strategies. By combining deep expertise in cost estimation, acquisition policy, operations research, and analytics, the Acquisition Division enables sponsors to accelerate modernization, transition emerging technologies, and solve complex management challenges. We foster collaboration across government, industry, and academia-driving innovation and shaping resilient, effective solutions for the nation's most critical missions. And above all - we bring objectivity, innovation, courage, and technical excellence to help our sponsors make the right decision. Roles & Responsibilities: L581 is seeking a well-connected and recognized expert on defense acquisition and innovation. The ideal candidate will be a credible authority on defense acquisition, emerging technologies, and national security processes. You will belong to a high-performing team that regularly initiates and implements projects in support of sponsors' strategic initiatives, often before a sponsor can fully recognize or articulate that they are needed. The team may publish, speak at high visibility events, and advise senior government officials. * Effectively engage and motivate sponsors, stakeholders, and the larger enterprise on acquisition modernization and agility topics ranging from acquisition policy to technology assessments, commercialization, and mission needs.
* Provide subject matter expertise on DoW and/or US federal civilian acquisition practices, including Non-FAR procurement authorities, such as Other Transaction (OT), acquisition processes applied across the defense innovation and rapid acquisition ecosystems, and working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Register (FAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and other US federal acquisition regulations. * Develop and propose innovative strategies, policies, and processes that improve defense acquisition outcomes, ranging from programs, portfolios, and enterprise-wide initiatives.
* Contribute with impact as part of one or more integrated product teams to enable DoW to transition emerging technologies and prototypes.
* Strategically communicate internally and externally on key issues related to defense acquisition.
* Build and manage relationships between senior sponsors, MITRE, and other stakeholders (Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), think tanks, Industry, academia).
* Increase collaboration and coordination on acquisition reform and improvement issues across policy, practice, and academic domains. Basic Qualifications: * Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or 3 years and a PhD; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
* Broad exposure and roles across the DoW and Federal Civilian agencies acquisition environments, including the innovation ecosystem.
* Possession of an Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP) certification at a minimum of Level II in Program Management (PM), or equivalent DAWIA or FAC-C, FAC-COR, or FAC-PPM Level II certification, demonstrating validated proficiency in federal acquisition principles, program execution, and compliance or on track to achieve
* Track record of providing successful thought leadership in applying, teaching, or leading acquisition reform or modernization - prior experience as an acquisition professional, by itself, is not sufficient for this role.
* Experience building coalitions and communities that span multiple organizations across government and the private sector.
* Strong critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills - comfortable working in dynamic settings where task objectives may evolve or need to be shaped in real-time, and developing and delivering creative solutions to task impediments to ensure successful outcomes.
* Demonstrated ability to work successfully in team settings, to include establishing formal or informal teams which coordinate across technical and organizational boundaries to achieve mission outcomes.
* Strong interpersonal skills as well as effective verbal and written communication skills.
* Working familiarity with the DoW Adaptative Acquisition Framework, including familiarity with the Defense Acquisition System (DAS), Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS), Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes, and/or Service-specific requirements and acquisition processes. * Experience in three (3) or more of the following domain or functional areas adjacent to the key areas of modern acquisition reform, such as:
* Shift from Linear to Iterative Acquisition
* Accelerated Requirements and Decision-Making
* Empowering Program Executive Officers (PEOs)
* Strengthening Product Support and Sustainment
* Commercial Solutions First
* Modernizing Contracting and Reducing Red Tape
* Revitalizing the Defense Industrial Base
* Reforming Bid Protests and Procurement Practices
* Risk Management and Entrepreneurial Thinking
* Establishing Industry-Driven Solutions
* Willingness to visit Sponsor sites periodically for direct engagement and/or meetings.
* Active DoW Secret clearance
* Per the U.S Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a Security Clearance.
* This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site presence. Preferred Qualifications: * Active TS/SCI Clearance
* Bachelor's degree or higher in an Applied Science or Engineering.
* APDP Level III (PM) or equivalent DAWIA or FAC-C, FAC-COR, or FAC-P/PM Level III/Advanced acquisition certification or demonstrated equivalent expertise in large-scale defense acquisition leadership roles.
* Private sector experience in defense, technology, or consulting industries.
* Experience working with OSD Research and Engineering and/or Acquisition and Sustainment staff. * Demonstrated ability to maintain and leverage a strong professional network to provide thought leadership across the acquisition enterprise.
* Demonstrated ability leading critical acquisition modernization or reform efforts with visibility and trust at high levels of government and/or industry. This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$138,800 - $173,500 - $208,200 Annual Work Location Type:
Hybrid It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.