Acquisition and Software Reform Exploit Lead

Job description

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Department Summary:


The MITRE National Security Sector (MNS) and its National Security Engineering Center (NSEC) FFRDC solve the nation’s most complex security challenges across the War Department, Intelligence Community, interagency partners, industry, and allies.

The OSD Program Division is seeking an exploit leader for the N221 Acquisition Studies and Analysis Department (N221) to be the acquisition reform and software cadre focal point to provide awareness, relationship building, and deliver high value acquisition solutions.





Roles & Responsibilities:


As an Exploit Lead, you will collaborate with sponsors and government stakeholders to accelerate innovation and capability delivery across acquisition and operational communities.

You will support the software Cadre in implementing the Secretary of Defense’s directives for modern software acquisition and the War Department’s Software Modernization Strategy, spanning all warfighting domains—including Weapon Systems, Command and Control, Business Systems, DevSecOps, Cloud, Data, Applications, and AI.

You will work closely with Center and division leads to identify integration opportunities and guide investments aligned with defense acquisition priorities.

You will also partner with MITRE project and group leaders to enhance N221 department capabilities through sponsor engagements and internal R&D.


Key Responsibilities:

+ Coordinate with major program offices to assess and advance cloud adoption and software modernization, improving speed, innovation, and capability delivery.

+ Recommend strategies to drive change and align programs with modern software practices.

+ Collaborate across MITRE, DoD, and external organizations to deliver innovative solutions.

+ Provide tools and support to help programs tailor acquisition strategies.

+ Lead acquisition and modernization of mission-critical systems, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity for both classified and unclassified domains, ensuring alignment with DoD acquisition frameworks.

+ Work independently, communicate effectively, implement advanced acquisition and software strategies, and integrate best practices from industry, DoD, and academia.



Basic Qualifications:

+ Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 10 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 7 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.

+ Active Secret clearance; TS/SCI is desired

+ Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.



+ Extensive acquisition expertise, including strategy development and process improvement

+ Experience in software architecture, integration, and implementation across industry, academia, and DoD

+ Ability to independently define, plan, execute, and deliver work based on sponsor input

+ Knowledge of software engineering, acquisition, and DoD programs and policies

+ Skilled in documenting results through briefings, memos, and reports

+ Strong communication and collaboration skills

+ This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site



Preferred Qualifications:

+ An active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance is desirable

+ Experience with model-based systems engineering and modeling & simulation tools (Cameo, AFSim, MATLAB, or similar)

+ Certifications such as PMP, INCOSE CSEP, or equivalent




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):
Secret

Work Location Type:
Hybrid

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.


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