Acquisition Specialist Jobs
Acquisition Specialist jobs are open across defense contracting, federal agencies, healthcare, and commercial real estate, from entry-level to senior and supervisory roles, with specializations in contract acquisition, talent acquisition, and property acquisition. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Galapagos Federal Systems LLC is seeking an experienced Acquisition Specialist Level 3 to support the United States Space Force (USSF) and its mission-critical acquisition efforts.
In this role, you will support the acquisition lifecycle by conducting market research, developing acquisition strategies, assisting with Request for Proposal (RFP) development, and supporting technical and proposal evaluations.
The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented professional with a strong knowledge of DoD acquisition and procurement processes and experience supporting complex acquisition efforts in a mission-focused environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Acquisition Specialist will:
- Support complex Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Space Force acquisition activities throughout the acquisition lifecycle
- Develop and support acquisition strategies, market research, evaluation criteria, contract requirements, and source selection activities
- Integrate and evaluate cost, schedule, and performance requirements to support program objectives and acquisition decisions
- Identify, assess, and mitigate program and acquisition risks to support successful program execution
- Support Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) activities and associated acquisition planning
- Provide acquisition expertise supporting product development and science and technology (S&T) programs, program offices, or similar DoD environments
- Collaborate with program teams, government stakeholders, and senior leadership to support acquisition and procurement objectives
Skills and Experience
The Senior Acquisition Specialist must have:
- Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility (TS/SCI)
- 10+ years of relevant DoD experience supporting contracts, subcontracts, acquisition, or procurement activities
- Demonstrated experience supporting the full acquisition lifecycle, including acquisition planning, solicitation development, evaluations, source selection, contract award, and post-award activities
- Strong knowledge of Air Force and Space Force acquisition processes, policies, and practices
- Working knowledge of risk management and the PPBE process
- Experience supporting product development, science and technology programs, program offices, or similar defense acquisition environments
- Strong understanding of the U.S. Space Force organizational structure, mission objectives, and stakeholder priorities
- Experience communicating and coordinating with senior and executive-level DoD stakeholders
Education and Certifications
The Senior Acquisition Specialist must meet the following:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- Master’s degree in a related field
Preferred
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification in Program Management or related functional areas
- Project Management Professional certification
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Paid Parental Leave
- Military Differential
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid federal holidays
Must be a U.S. Citizen. A high-level Department of Defense active security clearance is/may be required. Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to government information.
Physical Requirements
Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods of time and typing and reading from a computer screen. The candidate must have enough mobility, including bending, reaching, and kneeling, to complete daily duties in a prompt and efficient manner, and that may include lifting up to thirty pounds, as necessary.
Company Summary
Headquartered in Hawaii, Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC, is an SBA-Certified NHO-owned 8(a) Small Business specializing in global information technology solutions. We deliver professional services in IT Design & Installation, Cybersecurity Engineering & Support, Application Integration & Development, Software & Hardware Engineering, Network & Systems Management, Information Systems Security, and Business Management Services.
Leveraging over 30 years of providing IT services to the federal & commercial market with projects found around the world, our team has innovative expertise in the development of a wide range of technological solutions. Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
Our service commitment is simple - "Quality IT Solutions... On Time & On Budget."
Company Employment Statement
Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC reserves the right to change or modify job duties and assignments at any time. The above job description is not all encompassing as positions, functions, and qualifications may vary depending on business needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Galapagos Federal Systems, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, color, creed, religion, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or Vietnam era, or other eligible veteran status or legally protected characteristics.
The final salary offered within the posted range will be based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, education, and other job-related factors.
Acquisition Specialist Jobs by Experience Level
Top Cities Hiring Acquisition Specialists
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Find Acquisition Specialist JobsAcquisition Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- State Farm208
- AutoNation30
- webuyanycar19
- DESORT STAFFING12
- Ledcor10
Top Industries Hiring
- Insurance44
- Education3
- Manufacturing3
- Construction & Real Estate3
- Healthcare & Medical Services3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in acquisition specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain, or a related field
- Experience with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) or contract management
- Proficiency with applicant tracking systems or procurement software platforms
- Demonstrated ability to manage full-cycle acquisition or procurement processes
- CPPB, CPPO, DAWIA, or equivalent acquisition certification preferred
- Strong written communication skills for drafting solicitations, contracts, or acquisition plans
Tips for Your Acquisition Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to acquisition type
Contract acquisition, talent acquisition, and property acquisition each have distinct terminologies and metrics. Align your resume to the specific type you're targeting, swapping in relevant keywords like FAR compliance, requisition management, or land acquisition as appropriate.
Highlight certifications relevant to your specialty
Certifications like CPPB, CPPO, or DAWIA carry real weight in government and defense acquisition roles. List yours prominently near the top of your resume so hiring managers see them before reading your experience section.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists acquisition specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by contract vehicle or agency type
Federal acquisition roles often specify contract vehicles like IDIQ or GSA schedules in the job description. Reading for these details helps you target roles where your contracting experience is a direct match, rather than applying broadly and underselling your background.
Prepare concrete examples for scenario questions
Interviewers in acquisition roles consistently ask how you handled a difficult vendor, a tight procurement timeline, or a compliance issue. Prepare two or three specific examples from your experience that show your decision-making process, not just the outcome.
Negotiate using market data, not gut feeling
Before accepting an offer, cross-reference the role's GS level or compensation band with published federal pay scales or BLS occupational wage data for your metro area. Coming in with a specific data point makes your counter far more credible than a round-number request.
Acquisition Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most acquisition specialists?
State Farm, AutoNation, and webuyanycar are hiring the most acquisition specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, California, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Defense contractors and federal agencies consistently account for a large share of total acquisition specialist demand.
How many acquisition specialist jobs are remote?
About 62% of acquisition specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though availability varies significantly by sub-specialty. Talent acquisition and sourcing roles tend to have the highest remote share, while federal contract acquisition and property acquisition roles more commonly require on-site or clearance-facility presence.
How do you become an acquisition specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, public administration, or a closely related field. Gain hands-on experience through internships, entry-level buyer or coordinator roles, or federal government positions that expose you to procurement workflows. Pursue a recognized certification like CPPB or DAWIA to move into mid-level roles faster and meet requirements for government contracting positions.
Can you get hired as an acquisition specialist with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level acquisition roles exist, particularly in federal agencies and larger contractors that hire through formal development programs. Focus on roles titled acquisition trainee, junior contracting officer, or sourcing coordinator. A relevant degree, demonstrated analytical skills, and familiarity with procurement concepts or ATS platforms can offset limited direct experience in early applications.
What does the acquisition specialist interview process look like?
Most acquisition specialist interviews include an initial recruiter screen, followed by one or two rounds with the hiring manager and team leads. Expect scenario-based questions about handling vendor disputes, tight timelines, or compliance challenges. Government and defense roles may also include a panel interview and, for cleared positions, a security review component before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to acquisition specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to acquisition specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Find roles that match your background and apply directly to each listing without being redirected through third-party platforms.
See All 1,109+ Acquisition Specialist Jobs
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Find Acquisition Specialist Jobs