DoD Acquisition / Nuclear Enterprise Subject Matter Expert 2026P-0309
Ascension LLC is seeking a senior DoD Acquisition / Nuclear Enterprise Subject Matter Expert to support a high-visibility Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center initiative focused on ICBM Target Operating Model optimization, governance redesign, organizational health, and mission execution improvement.
This part-time advisory role is ideal for a seasoned defense acquisition professional with deep experience in ACAT/SCAT programs, nuclear enterprise operations, sustainment governance, major weapon systems, decision-rights frameworks, and executive-level advisory support. The SME will be used selectively for governance reviews, senior workshops, leadership briefings, and final recommendations.
Role Summary
The DoD Acquisition / Nuclear Enterprise SME will provide expert guidance to ensure Ascension’s recommendations are credible, mission-aware, and aligned with the realities of complex defense acquisition and sustainment portfolios. The role supports development and review of the Target Operating Model, Unified Governance Framework, Transformation Playbook, Human Capital Strategy, and Mission Execution Improvement Package.
The ideal candidate is strategic, discreet, mission-focused, and comfortable advising teams working with senior DoD leaders, including PEOs, General Officers, SES leaders, Program Managers, and acquisition executives.
Key Responsibilities
- Review governance frameworks through a DoD acquisition and nuclear enterprise lens.
- Assess decision-rights, escalation paths, accountability models, and governance forums.
- Advise on ACAT/SCAT program execution, sustainment governance, and mission risk.
- Validate recommendations for practicality, clarity, and executive usability.
- Support selected workshops, working groups, and leadership briefings.
- Identify implementation risks, dependencies, and mission execution impacts.
- Contribute to the TOM, governance framework, transformation playbook, and final recommendations.
- Review deliverables for acquisition credibility, compliance, and mission alignment.
- Prepare executive talking points, issue summaries, and advisory recommendations.
- Ensure recommendations remain advisory and avoid inherently governmental functions.
How to Apply
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| Job Category | Acquisition & Contract Management |
| Minimum Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, acquisition management, national security, public administration, systems engineering, or related field. | 10+ years of experience in DoD acquisition, nuclear enterprise, major defense programs, sustainment governance, or weapon system portfolio management. |
| Required Skills | Excellent executive writing, briefing, facilitation, and analytical skills.| Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment. |
| Technical Skills | Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition lifecycle, ACAT/SCAT governance, decision authorities, risk escalation, and program execution.| Experience advising senior military, SES, PEO, or program executive stakeholders. | Ability to review governance, TOM, transformation, and implementation artifacts.| Strong understanding of advisory support boundaries, OCI risks, and non-personal services requirements. |
| Desired Skills | Master’s degree in national security, defense acquisition, systems engineering, organizational leadership, public policy, or related field.| Prior support to Air Force, AFNWC, ICBM, missile systems, nuclear deterrence, or major weapon system programs.| Experience with Nunn-McCurdy recovery, ACAT I programs, sustainment transformation, or enterprise acquisition reform.| Experience developing or reviewing governance charters, decision-rights matrices, operating models, roadmaps, and transformation playbooks.| Experience facilitating senior workshops with Flag Officers, SES leaders, PEOs, PMs, or cross-functional acquisition teams.| Certifications such as DAWIA, DAU, PMP, FAC-COR, CFCM, CPCM, Prosci, Lean Six Sigma, or ITIL. |
| Sustainability Requirements | Active Secret clearance preferred.| Ability to obtain and maintain required customer access or suitability approvals. | Ability to handle Controlled Unclassified Information. | Must comply with OCI, FAR, and advisory support limitations. |