Financial Management & Contract Analyst / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Position Title: Financial Management & Contract Analyst / Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Location: Remote

Security Clearance: Secret

Job Summary

Paradigm Max Q is seeking a highly experienced Financial & Contract Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support Air Combat Command (ACC/A4) in aligning modernization and sustainment requirements with executable funding profiles, acquisition strategies, and contract execution timelines. This role delivers enterprise-level financial, budgeting, and contracting analysis to reduce delays, improve obligation performance, and enable timely integration of modification and sustainment capabilities.

The position requires a senior professional with deep experience in USAF financial management, PPBE, acquisition contracting, and F‑35 sustainment funding, capable of operating across ACC, the F‑35 Joint Program Office (JPO), vendors, and Service stakeholders to maintain traceability from requirement to delivered capability.

Key Responsibilities

• Align validated requirements with available funding; develop Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates and reconcile resources with modernization and sustainment schedules.
• Support Program Objective Memorandum (POM) inputs and financial drills; ensure funding profiles align with execution realities.
• Serve as a stakeholder and advisor for USAF F‑35A Weapon System Sustainment (CAM/WSS) funding activities and financial governance.
• Maintain traceability of USAF funds within the JPO, ensuring alignment across requirements, contracts, and delivered outcomes.
• Support PPBE execution, annual cost estimate development, and financial analysis related to sustainment and modernization initiatives.
• Shape and assess acquisition strategies to support sustainment and modification efforts; structure contract line items (CLINs) and funding approaches.
• Support Request for Proposal (RFP) development, proposal evaluation, and source selection activities as required.
• Manage and assess Unpriced Contract Actions (UCAs), support timely definitization, and reduce execution and schedule risk.
• Monitor contract execution using Earned Value Management (EVM) and other performance indicators.
• Integrate contract actions with kit delivery schedules, depot induction timelines, and fielding plans.
• Build and maintain financial dashboards to forecast burn rates, obligation performance, and execution risks.
• Develop senior leader decision support products including briefs, issue papers, and funding trade-off analyses.
• Coordinate closely with vendors, the JPO, and ACC stakeholders to deconflict funding, scope, and execution timelines.

Deliverables

• ROMs, cost estimates, and POM support products
• Funding traceability artifacts linking requirements, contracts, and delivered capabilities
• Acquisition strategy inputs, CLIN structures, and contracting support documentation
• Financial dashboards, burn-rate forecasts, and execution risk analyses
• Senior leader briefs, decision memoranda, and funding COA packages

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree (required)
• Master's degree in Finance, Business, Acquisition, or related field (preferred)

Experience

• 10+ years supporting DoD financial management, contracting, acquisition, or sustainment programs
• Demonstrated experience working with MAJCOMs, program offices, JPOs, or Service-level financial organizations
• Experience with PPBE execution, cost estimating, and obligation management
• Experience supporting or coordinating F‑35 or other complex aviation sustainment programs
• Familiarity with UCAs, EVM, and contract execution oversight
• Proven ability to align funding strategies with operational and sustainment priorities

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong understanding of DoD financial management, PPBE, and acquisition contracting processes
• Ability to assess cost, schedule, and execution risk across sustainment and modernization efforts
• Experience developing financial dashboards and execution tracking products
• Strong analytical skills with disciplined attention to detail and traceability
• Ability to translate financial data into senior leader–ready decision support

Software & Tools

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Experience with financial management systems, EVM tools, and contract tracking platforms
• Familiarity with cost estimating and budgeting tools preferred

Certifications (Preferred)

• DAU Program Management
• DAU Business – Financial Management or Contracting
• DAU Life Cycle Logistics

Security Clearance

• Must be a U.S. citizen with an active Secret clearance (required)

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Strong executive-level written and verbal communication skills
• High credibility with senior leaders, contracting officers, and program stakeholders
• Ability to lead financial and contracting coordination across multiple organizations
• Self-starter with strong accountability, suspense management, and execution discipline
• Comfortable operating in high-tempo, funding-constrained environments
• Solutions-oriented mindset focused on enabling readiness through disciplined financial and contract execution

Benefits Statement: Paradigm Max Q provides eligible employees with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short‑term and long‑term disability coverage; a 401(k)‑retirement plan; paid time off (PTO) for vacation; and company‑paid holidays. The benefits package also includes reimbursement for a Planet Fitness Black Card membership.

EEO Statement: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.