Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive) DHS Job 2026: Salary, Requirements & How to Apply

Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive) DHS Job 2026: Salary, Requirements & How to Apply

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently accepting applications for a senior federal position titled Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This high-level federal government job offers an opportunity for experienced acquisition and program management professionals to take a leadership role in managing acquisition governance, risk, budgets, policies, and program performance.

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According to the official USAJOBS announcement, the position is GS-15, permanent, full-time, and supervisory. The listed salary range is $126,384 to $164,301 per year, depending on grade, step, and duty location. The job has vacancies associated with Camp Springs, Maryland, and Williston, Vermont, and telework may be available according to agency policy.

The application deadline is August 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Because the deadline is today, qualified candidates should review the official announcement and submit a complete application before the closing time.

Program Manager Component Acquisition Executive DHS Job Overview

The Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive) position is an important leadership role within USCIS. The selected individual will help implement, manage, and oversee acquisition governance processes throughout the organization.

A Component Acquisition Executive, commonly called a CAE, has significant responsibility for ensuring that acquisition programs follow applicable policies, procedures, and governance requirements. DHS acquisition guidance describes the CAE as the component’s senior acquisition official, with responsibility for implementing, managing, and overseeing the component’s acquisition program processes.

For USCIS, this means the successful candidate will work at a strategic level rather than simply handling individual purchasing activities. The position involves acquisition program management, governance, risk management, workforce development, budgets, milestones, and communication with senior officials.

DHS Program Manager Salary in 2026

One of the most attractive features of this federal job is its senior-level compensation.

The official USAJOBS announcement lists a salary range of:

$126,384 – $164,301 per year

The position is classified as GS-15. The exact salary depends on the grade, step, and location applicable to the position.

For comparison, the 2026 Washington-Baltimore-Arlington locality salary table published by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management shows that GS-15 salaries range from $169,279 to $197,200, although the specific USAJOBS announcement has its own listed salary range based on the applicable duty locations and pay rules.

Candidates should therefore rely on the official USAJOBS announcement for the compensation applicable to this specific vacancy.

Where Is the DHS Job Located?

The announcement identifies vacancies in:

• Camp Springs, Maryland
• Williston, Vermont

The position is not a remote job, although it is listed as telework eligible according to agency policy. Relocation expenses are not reimbursed, according to the announcement.

The job also involves occasional travel.

For professionals interested in federal employment but seeking a fully remote position, this distinction is important. Telework eligibility does not mean the employee can work permanently from any location.

What Does a Component Acquisition Executive Do?

The role combines senior management, acquisition strategy, government regulations, risk management, and organizational leadership.

According to the official vacancy announcement, the successful candidate will perform several major responsibilities.

1. Lead Acquisition Governance

The Program Manager serves as the Component Acquisition Executive and leads planning, analysis, and intervention on operational and program-related issues.

This requires the ability to understand complex acquisition environments and make decisions that support organizational objectives.

2. Serve as Acquisition Decision Authority

The position serves as the Acquisition Decision Authority (ADA) for non-major acquisitions.

This means the individual must help ensure acquisitions remain compliant with applicable policies and regulations throughout the acquisition life cycle.

3. Manage Acquisition Policies and Processes

The selected candidate will manage the implementation of policies and processes across USCIS program areas.

This includes acquisition program management, governance, and acquisition workforce development.

4. Oversee the Component Acquisition Review Board

Another major responsibility is managing and overseeing the USCIS Component Acquisition Review Board (CARB) in accordance with DHS guidance and policies.

This responsibility demonstrates the senior nature of the position. The role requires someone who understands acquisition governance and can work effectively with leadership and program stakeholders.

5. Manage Cost, Schedule and Performance Risks

Federal acquisition programs must be managed carefully because they can involve significant public resources.

The Program Manager will manage risks associated with:

• Cost
• Schedule
• Performance
• Acquisition strategy
• Program milestones
• Budgets

DHS acquisition management guidance emphasizes oversight of cost, schedule, and performance across acquisition programs.

Key Qualifications for the DHS GS-15 Position

This is not an entry-level federal government job. Candidates must demonstrate substantial senior-level acquisition and management experience.

The official announcement requires applicants to possess at least one of the following current certifications or an equivalent:

• Federal Acquisition Certification in Program and Project Management (FAC-P/PM Level III)
• Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C Level III)
• Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA Level III) in Program Management or Contracting

The certification requirement is a selective placement factor, meaning applicants must document the qualifying certification in their resume.

Specialized Experience Required

Candidates must also meet the GS-15 specialized experience requirements.

The announcement states that applicants need at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in federal service.

The required experience includes the majority of several important areas.

Managing Large Acquisition Programs

Applicants need experience managing acquisition programs or portfolios totaling at least $100 million annually, including programs operating across multiple acquisition phases.

This is one of the most significant requirements because it demonstrates the scale of responsibility expected from the successful candidate.

Acquisition Risk and Performance Management

Candidates must have experience managing acquisition risks and addressing program performance issues.

This can include identifying problems, developing mitigation strategies, monitoring performance, and communicating risks to senior leadership.

Supervisory Experience

The position is supervisory, so applicants need experience managing employees.

Relevant supervisory responsibilities can include:

• Assigning work
• Evaluating employee performance
• Addressing employee issues
• Supporting employee development
• Providing training and mentoring

Acquisition Policy Experience

Applicants should also have experience developing or implementing acquisition policies and processes.

The position requires an understanding of how laws, regulations, directives, and government policies can affect acquisition programs.

Senior-Level Briefings

Candidates must have experience preparing reports or briefings for senior leadership or oversight organizations.

Strong communication skills are therefore essential.

U.S. Citizenship and Other Conditions

The position has several federal employment conditions.

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Selected candidates must successfully complete a background investigation, including financial disclosure requirements, and must pass drug screening.

The position is classified as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk and requires appropriate background investigation processes. A security clearance is listed as not required for the position, but the position is subject to national security-related suitability and background requirements.

There is also a residency requirement for applicants who are not currently employed by USCIS. The announcement states that such applicants generally must have resided in the United States for three of the five years immediately before applying, or meet one of the specified federal overseas employment/dependent exceptions.

Resume Requirements Are Extremely Important

One of the most important points for applicants is the resume limit.

The USAJOBS announcement states that applicants must submit a resume of no more than two pages. A resume exceeding two pages will not be accepted for this announcement.

Applicants should make every line count.

Your resume should clearly demonstrate:

• Acquisition program management experience
• Portfolio dollar value
• Certification level
• Supervisory experience
• Risk management
• Acquisition policy experience
• Cost, schedule and performance management
• Senior leadership briefings
• Relevant federal experience

Applicants should avoid vague statements. The announcement specifically warns that Human Resources cannot assume experience that is not clearly documented.

For each relevant position, applicants should provide job title, employer, duties, dates of employment, salary, hours worked, and other required employment information. Federal employees should also provide grade and dates for each federal grade level.

How to Apply for the DHS Program Manager Job

The application must be submitted through the official USAJOBS system.

The application process includes:

1. Open the official USAJOBS announcement.
2. Review the complete job description and eligibility requirements.
3. Prepare a resume of no more than two pages.
4. Clearly document the required acquisition certification.
5. Complete the required online questions and assessments.
6. Upload required supporting documentation.
7. Submit the application before the deadline.
8. Check your application status after submission.

The official announcement states that applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 7, 2026.

Official USAJOBS Job Announcement – Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive)

Why This DHS Job Matters

Acquisition management plays an important role in the federal government because agencies depend on contracts, technology, services, systems, and other resources to accomplish their missions.

DHS has a large and complex acquisition environment. Its acquisition workforce supports programs across the department and its components.

DHS acquisition management guidance identifies the Component Acquisition Executive as a key leadership position responsible for acquisition program processes and oversight.

The Department also maintains acquisition workforce development and program management functions designed to support acquisition professionals and help programs navigate the acquisition lifecycle.

For an experienced acquisition professional, this makes the USCIS position a potentially significant career opportunity.

Tips for Applicants Before the August 7 Deadline

If you are considering applying today, focus on accuracy and eligibility rather than simply submitting a generic federal resume.

First, confirm that you meet the certification requirement. A missing or undocumented certification can make an otherwise experienced applicant ineligible.

Second, check whether your experience demonstrates management of acquisition programs or portfolios totaling at least $100 million annually.

Third, make your supervisory experience easy to identify.

Fourth, explain your acquisition policy and governance experience with specific examples.

Finally, carefully follow the two-page resume requirement. The official announcement says resumes over two pages will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Program Manager Component Acquisition Executive DHS job?

It is a senior federal program management position with USCIS within the Department of Homeland Security. The employee serves as a Component Acquisition Executive and helps oversee acquisition governance, policies, risks, budgets, programs, and performance.

What is the salary for the DHS Program Manager position?

The USAJOBS announcement lists a salary range of $126,384 to $164,301 per year, with the exact salary depending on grade, step, and location.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is August 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Where are the positions located?

The announcement lists Camp Springs, Maryland, and Williston, Vermont as locations.

Is this a remote job?

No. The announcement says the position is not remote, although it is telework eligible according to agency policy.

What certification is required?

Applicants must have at least one current qualifying certification or equivalent: FAC-P/PM Level III, FAC-C Level III, or DAWIA Level III in Program Management or Contracting.

How much acquisition experience is required?

The GS-15 qualification includes one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-14, including experience managing acquisition programs or portfolios totaling at least $100 million annually, among other requirements.

How long can the resume be?

The announcement limits resumes to two pages. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will not be considered for this announcement.

Is security clearance required?

The announcement lists security clearance as not required, but the position is classified as Critical-Sensitive/High Risk and requires background and suitability-related checks.

Is the job permanent?

Yes. The announcement lists the appointment type as Permanent and the work schedule as Full-time.

Conclusion

The Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive) DHS job is a senior federal career opportunity for experienced acquisition and program management professionals. The GS-15 position combines executive-level acquisition governance, program oversight, risk management, workforce leadership, policy implementation, and strategic decision-making.

With a listed salary of $126,384 to $164,301 annually, permanent full-time employment, and leadership responsibilities within USCIS, the position may be particularly attractive to professionals with advanced federal acquisition certifications and large-scale program management experience.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility requirements. The position requires a qualifying Level III acquisition certification, significant acquisition experience, supervisory experience, and experience managing programs or portfolios worth at least $100 million annually. The two-page resume requirement is also critical.

Most importantly, the official application deadline is August 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Anyone interested in this opportunity should review the complete official announcement and submit the required application materials before the deadline.

For the most accurate information, applicants should always rely on the official USAJOBS announcement rather than third-party job websites.

Official and Trusted Sources

USAJOBS – Official Program Manager (Component Acquisition Executive) Announcement

U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Official Website

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – Official Website

U.S. Office of Personnel Management – 2026 Salary Tables