Senior Program Support Specialist

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Program Support Specialist to support premier defense and aerospace programs supporting U.S. Department of Defense and international partner operations. This role will assist with complex acquisition initiatives, oversee large-scale defense portfolios, and provide executive-level program leadership across acquisition, contracting, financial management, and international defense programs. This individual will be responsible for driving mission success through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, budget execution, and lifecycle program management supporting critical national security objectives.

Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret Clearance Required, SCI preferred

Location: El Segundo, CA

Schedule: Onsite; occasional travel and support of executive-level customer engagements may be required

Responsibilities of the Senior Program Support Specialist:

• Assist with acquisition, development, fielding, sustainment, modernization, and lifecycle management efforts for complex defense programs.
• Help to manage large-scale program portfolios valued at $1B+ with responsibility for cost, schedule, performance, and risk management.
• Develop acquisition strategies, program roadmaps, execution plans, and lifecycle management approaches aligned with DoD priorities.
• Provide executive-level briefings, recommendations, and strategic guidance to senior government and industry leadership.
• Develop and implement acquisition strategies consistent with DoD 5000-series guidance, acquisition frameworks, and agency-specific requirements.
• Support the planning, negotiation, award, administration, and execution of major defense contracts and acquisition initiatives.
• Conduct cost, schedule, and performance assessments of contractor efforts and provide recommendations regarding procurements, source selections, contract modifications, and task orders.
• Support development of Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) submissions, budget justification documentation, and strategic planning efforts.
• Monitor obligations, expenditures, and financial execution across multiple appropriations and funding sources.
• Drive collaboration across government agencies, military services, industry partners, contractors, and international organizations.

Qualifications of the Senior Program Support Specialist:

• Bachelor''s degree in Business, Engineering, Public Administration, Acquisition Management, Program Management, or a related field.
• Active Top Secret Security Clearance.
• 10+ years of experience supporting defense acquisition, program management, contracting, financial management, or related DoD environments.
• Experience supporting Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs), aerospace, space, intelligence, or military systems programs.
• Strong knowledge of DoD Acquisition Framework processes and program management best practices.
• Experience working with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and acquisition governance processes.
• Knowledge of Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE), risk management, and Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies.

Preferred Qualifications of the Senior Program Support Specialist:

• Master''s degree in Business Administration, Program Management, Acquisition Management, Engineering, Public Administration, or related discipline.
• DAWIA/APDP Level III Certification in Program Management and/or Contracting.
• Experience supporting Air Force, Space Force, Navy, Joint Program Offices, or other defense acquisition organizations.
• Experience managing multi-billion-dollar acquisition portfolios and complex stakeholder environments.

Compensation of the Senior Program Support Specialist:

Compensation: $160,000 - $200,000 based on years of experience, qualifications, clearance level, and program expertise

Full Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Sick Leave as required by state law, and additional employee benefit offerings

Keywords: Senior Acquisition Director, Program Management Director, Defense Acquisition, DoD Acquisition Framework, Program Executive Office, PEO, Major Defense Acquisition Program, MDAP, Acquisition Strategy, Program Management, Contract Management, FAR, DFARS, PPBE, Earned Value Management, EVM, Risk Management, Defense Programs, Aerospace, Space Systems, Foreign Military Sales, FMS, International Programs, Budget Execution, FYDP, Executive Leadership, Government Consulting, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, NAVAIR, Space Systems Command, F-35, Defense Contracts, National Security, Top Secret Clearance, El Segundo CA, Los Angeles County, CA.

This job opens for applications on 07/17/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

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