Senior/Expert Acquisition Program Manager

Job overview

The Senior/Expert Acquisition Program Manager role is listed as onsite in Chantilly, Virginia; the posting also identifies various NRO locations. Compensation is $143,913–$197,200 per year for the Washington, DC area, with separate 2026 STEM salary ranges listed for eligible candidates. The National Reconnaissance Office develops, acquires, launches, and operates satellites that provide space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. The role manages complex acquisition programs and contracts for overhead reconnaissance systems, coordinating functional specialists and monitoring cost, schedule, performance, and risk. It contributes to meeting intelligence needs and program objectives through acquisition oversight, contractor assessment, and systems engineering practices.

What you'll do

• Lead activities with functional specialists
• manage cost, schedule, and performance of complex contracts for reconnaissance systems
• provide recommendations, briefings, and status updates to management
• contribute to source selection and contractor performance assessment
• collaborate on complex contract awards
• oversee risk management strategies
• coordinate work through subordinate supervisors when applicable
• and apply systems engineering principles and practices.

What we're looking for

Skills & competencies

senior/expert acquisition program manager

chantilly va

national reconnaissance office

full-time

satellite systems

acquisition management

contract management

program management

cost and schedule oversight

risk management

u.s. citizenship required

ts/sci clearance eligibility

8+ years experience

washington dc area salary range

Work arrangement

• Weekend coverage required

Benefits & perks

• The NRO may offer hiring incentives and other entitlements at management’s discretion.
• The posting also describes possible STEM pay eligibility for qualifying candidates.

Why this role

U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance are required. The posting requires at least eight years of directly applicable experience and notes that travel may be required.

About the employer

National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is hiring for this role. Industry: Executive Offices. Sector: 92.