Launch Your Defense Career: Program Manager (Acquisition) at U.S. Special Operations Command
Are you an experienced professional looking to make a high-impact contribution to national security? The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is currently recruiting a Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager for Acquisition) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. This role is a cornerstone of our efforts to field cutting-edge technology and ensure our operators have the best equipment possible.
Job Responsibilities
As an Assistant Program Manager, you will oversee the full lifecycle of complex defense systems. Your key responsibilities include:
- Lifecycle Management: Guiding systems through development, production, and fielding.
- Strategic Planning: Creating detailed plans for project execution and managing internal operations.
- Performance Oversight: Analyzing technical and financial data to ensure programs stay on schedule.
- Stakeholder Coordination: Establishing design objectives with users to ensure all requirements are met.
Core Competencies Comparison
| Competency | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Financial Management | Tracking program budget and fiscal compliance |
| Technical Oversight | Managing system modifications and upgrades |
| Milestone Control | Ensuring project schedules meet critical deadlines |
| Matrix Support | Coordinating with cross-functional defense teams |
Requirements
To qualify for this position, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-02 (GS-11) level. This experience must clearly demonstrate your ability to handle acquisition programs. Please note that no education substitution is permitted for this position. Additionally, you must be a U.S. citizen and be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary range of $102,415 to $158,322 per year. This range includes applicable locality pay and local market supplements, reflecting the high level of responsibility inherent in this role.
Benefits
Employees enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits, including:
- Extensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Paid federal holidays and annual/sick leave accrual.
- Opportunities for remote and telework arrangements.
Application Tips
- Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Submissions exceeding this will not be considered.
- Be Specific: Include employer names, dates of employment (month/year), and hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid heavy jargon or acronyms that may hinder an HR specialist's understanding of your qualifications.
- Final Review: Always double-check that your application package is complete and submitted before the October 30, 2026 deadline.
Serving as a Program Manager within the Ground Applications Program Office is a unique opportunity to shape the future of special operations equipment. If you possess the experience and drive to lead in a high-stakes environment, we encourage you to apply today via USAJOBS.
Why This Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager Acquisition) Job Matters
Join the elite Ground Applications Program Office and steer critical defense acquisition projects that directly empower U.S. Special Operations Command.
Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager Acquisition) Job Overview
The U.S. Army is seeking a highly skilled Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager for Acquisition) to serve at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this vital role, you will lead complex system acquisition programs through the full lifecycle—from initial development and production to fielding and major modifications. You will be responsible for managing critical project milestones, analyzing technical and financial data, and ensuring that systems meet the rigorous requirements of our nation's special operations forces.
Requirements for Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager Acquisition)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess at least one year of specialized experience at the NH-02 (GS-11 equivalent) level or higher.
- Experience must include leading Army system acquisition programs through development, production, fielding, and major modifications.
- Must have the ability to analyze technical and financial data to assess program performance.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Submission of a resume limited to two pages or less.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Completion of a financial disclosure report.
Preferred Qualifications for Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager Acquisition)
- Demonstrated expertise in managing multi-disciplinary acquisition teams.
- Proficiency in aligning system design objectives with complex user requirements.
- Strong ability to develop workarounds for schedule constraints in high-stakes environments.
- Proven history of managing matrixed support across various command agencies.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Structured career progression within the Army Acquisition field.
- ✓Paid federal holidays and leave accrual.
- ✓Access to diverse professional development and training opportunities.
- ✓Eligibility for remote work and telework arrangements.
💡 How to Apply Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager Acquisition) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Program Manager (Assistant Program Manager Acquisition) Job
- Log in or register for a USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, detailing your relevant specialized experience.
- Complete the online questionnaire provided in the job portal.
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts if applicable and performance appraisals.
- Submit your complete application package by the closing date of October 30, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via the USAJOBS dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions over this length will be rejected.
- Use plain, clear language and avoid obscure acronyms to ensure your experience is easily understood by HR reviewers.
- Verify that your resume includes employer names, job titles, start and end dates (month/year), and hours worked per week.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the virus scan before the submission deadline.
- Re-select your documents from your USAJOBS account during the final submission step, even if they were attached to your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No. For this specific position, you must meet the qualification requirements using professional experience alone.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
No, the payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized for this vacancy.
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is designated as a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk role.
Can I negotiate my salary?
Salary negotiations for candidates new to Federal service may be authorized at management's discretion.
Is a drug test required?
Yes, this is a position requiring a drug test and financial disclosure.
Job from U.S. Special Operations Command (Army)
The U.S. Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) is the lead component for the Army’s special operations. Every civilian member of our team plays an integral role in sustaining the readiness and capability of our nation’s most elite forces. We value innovation, strategic management, and effective leadership.