Acquisition Analyst, Associate Principal

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

Document and edit acquisition and engineering documentation required throughout the DHS Acquisition Lifecycle Framework (ALF) and Systems Engineering Life Cycle (SELC).
• Draft, revise, and finalize key program documents such as Mission Need Statements (MNS), Capability Development Plans (CDP), Analysis of Alternatives (AOA/AA) Study Plans, Operational Requirements Documents (ORD), and Acquisition Program Baselines (APB).
• Develop and maintain Integrated Logistics Support Plans (ILSP), Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMP), Systems Engineering Plans, Risk Management Plans, and related technical artifacts.
• Prepare SELC artifacts, tailoring plans, and technical review documentation as required for each phase and technical review (e.g., Initial Technical Review, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review).
• Coordinate with program managers, systems engineers, and subject matter experts to collect, synthesize, and accurately present technical, cost, and schedule information.
• Analyze broadly stated project requirements and, through research and meeting with stakeholders, provide recommendations for improving key performance parameters key system attributes, and additional requirements.
• Ensure all written materials comply with DHS and CBP acquisition policy, standards, terminology, and formatting requirements.
• Translate complex technical and programmatic data into clear, concise, and actionable documentation for executive, technical, and regulatory review.
• Track and manage revisions to documentation throughout all lifecycle phases, and support configuration management and version control of program documents.
• Collaborate and provide input to technical review completion letters and summary-level exit criteria documentation in line with SELC requirements.
• Support the preparation and submission of required documentation packages for Acquisition Decision Events (ADE-1, ADE-2A, ADE-2C, ADE-3, etc.).
• Review and ensure all documents adhere to DHS and CBP privacy, records management, cybersecurity, and accessibility (Section 508) compliance requirements.
• Assist in tailoring paths for program documentation based on ALF/SELC guidance, including Incremental Software Development and COTS/NDI and Commercial Services Opening Pilot programs.
• Maintain awareness of updates to DHS and CBP acquisition, engineering, and documentation guidance and ensure compliance with latest best practices.

• U.S. Citizenship Required
• CBP BI or TOP SECRET Clearance is required
• Bachelor's degree in STEM field with 10-12 years of experience; Master's degree preferred
• Previous experience with Department of Homeland Security
• Previous experience in Systems Engineering and Acquisition.
• Understanding the Systems Engineering and Acquisition Lifecycles at DHS, CBP preferred (e.g., ALF, MD-102)
• Familiarity with IEEE standard 1012
• Excellent writing, communications, and briefing skills
• Certifications from DAU and DAWIA in Acquisition are desired
• Demonstrates initiative, sound judgment, and effective decision-making
• Skilled in planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks