Acquisition Strategy & Documentation Principal

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is seeking an experienced Acquisition Strategy & Documentation Principal to support critical Air Force acquisition programs at Hanscom AFB. This senior-level position will lead acquisition documentation, reporting, and coordination efforts while providing strategic guidance to program leadership and supporting high-level Department of Defense and Air Force requirements.

Why Work with Us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions, delivering premier talent and technology to support critical customer missions.

Recognized as a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS understands that our employees are the foundation of our success. We prioritize our people by providing opportunities for professional growth, meaningful mission work, and a healthy work/life balance.

Our employees benefit from a competitive benefits package, awards and recognition programs, and personalized attention from ARS senior leadership. At ARS, you'll be part of a team where your contributions matter.

Responsibilities Include:

• Apply comprehensive knowledge of DoD and Air Force acquisition policies, processes, and program management practices, including DoDI 5000.02.

• Use qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate acquisition program performance, efficiency, and effectiveness.

• Monitor program cost and schedule baselines, identify challenges, and recommend solutions or alternative courses of action.

• Develop and deliver clear acquisition documentation, briefings, plans, and program management products.

• Research and evaluate system acquisition activities across development, production, and deployment. Recommend strategies to achieve cost, schedule, and performance objectives.

• Prepare and support statutory and regulatory acquisition reports, including DAES and MAR.

• Support Program Management Reviews (PMRs), senior-level meetings, acquisition reviews, and Integrated Master Plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) reviews.

• Develop program status briefings, schedules, and acquisition updates for senior leadership.

• Provide expert-level acquisition guidance and oversee the work of junior and mid-level personnel.

• Apply advanced knowledge of acquisition standards, procedures, and practices across program offices, enterprise organizations, and staff-level activities.

• Establish and implement division processes for reviewing, coordinating, and approving acquisition documentation, reports, briefings, and other organizational deliverables.

• Interpret complex requests from PEO Staff, Air Staff, DoD Staff, and Congressional Staff. Coordinate data calls across multiple functional areas to develop accurate, timely responses for senior leadership.

• Consolidate information from multiple programs, functional teams, and independent research into clear, organized products that support senior-level decisions.

• Delegate assignments, manage workloads, and coordinate personnel to meet division priorities and deadlines.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Experience:

• Experience serving on Air Force Headquarters Staff, preferably SAF/AQ or PEO Staff, is highly desired.

• Direct experience preparing and supporting acquisition reports, including DAES, MAR, Selective Acquisition Reviews (SARs), and Government Accountability Office (GAO) audits.

• Experience across multiple acquisition disciplines is desirable, particularly program management and financial management.

What Your First 90 Days Will Look Like:

During your first three months, you'll become familiar with the Air Force organization, acquisition priorities, reporting requirements, and leadership expectations.

• Understand the division's structure, ongoing acquisition activities, reporting schedules, documentation processes, key stakeholders, and current priorities.

• Begin overseeing acquisition reporting, coordinating data calls, reviewing program documentation, and supporting senior-level briefings and program reviews.

• Take ownership of assigned division-level responsibilities, improve coordination and review processes, manage competing priorities, and provide recommendations to leadership on acquisition reporting and documentation activities.

Minimum Education / Experience Requirements:

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Master's degree (MA/MS) with 15 years of experience in the relevant technical or professional discipline, including at least 10 years supporting DoD or bachelor's degree (BA/BS) with 20 years of experience in the relevant technical or professional discipline, including at least 10 years supporting DoD.

• Active Secret Security Clearance.

• U.S. Citizenship required.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

The annual salary range: $174k - $194k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

The contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a).  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a).  This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.