Negotiator - Missile Defense Agency - Huntsville

February 1, 2020 By Mandy Harrelson

What is a negotiator?

Negotiators, known within the Department of Defense as “Contract Specialists,” broker deals with defense contractors to obtain the services, hardware, and weapon systems our country’s military needs in order to fight and win. We take pride in equipping U.S. Warfighters in a manner that ensures they are always far better armed than their adversaries.

How do I know if this job is right for me?

The best negotiators have strong analytical skills, writing skills, and verbal communication skills. They are inquisitive, confident, persistent, and persuasive. They stay calm during conflict. Great negotiators are gifted problem solvers. They use determination and creativity to find solutions that mutually benefit their organization and their counterpart’s organization.

Why Missile Defense Agency?

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) is assembling a team of career professionals to develop and deploy one of the most challenging and advanced technological undertakings since the U.S. moon landing. Here's your chance to participate in our layered missile defense system, which is being developed and tested to defend our country, our allies, and our troops in the field.

The MDA is looking for bright, business savvy students with diverse backgrounds, education, insight, ability and a clear sense of mission. If you are prepared, talented, and motivated, we have a position for you serving your country and defending freedom in one of the most critical efforts in history.

How do I get started in a career as a negotiator at MDA?

The best entry point is the Missile Defense Career Development Program (MDCDP). It’s a 3-year program that develops employees into fully productive members of our team. The MDCDP offers an extraordinary opportunity for those who desire to gain a head start on their professional career, acquire valuable technical and professional experience and training, and feel a sense of pride contributing to the nation’s defense.

How much do negotiators get paid?

In Huntsville, starting pay for participants in the MDCDP is $44,705 and progresses non-competitively each year for three years to $54,684 at the end of year one, $66,162 at the end of year two, and $79,301 at the end of year three. After graduating from the program, pay increases are based on performance and competitive promotions. Maximum potential pay in the contracting career field is $170,403.

Who is qualified?

All applicants must:

Be U.S. Citizens
Be able to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance
Anticipate graduating by May 2020 with at least 24 business credits.

Candidates should have a GPA of 3.0 or better. Ideal candidates have a GPA of 3.5 or better. On your résumé, please include your unweighted GPA and discuss your involvement/leadership in organizations at your college campus.

How will MDA develop my talent?

The MDCDP is an entry level program that does not require prior experience. It provides extensive classroom training, computer-based training, on-the-job training, rotational opportunities, mentor-pairing, and leadership development.

During the course of the program, the Department of Defense will invest more than $14,000 to train you as a negotiator. Tuition assistance may also be available for graduate education and certificate programs.

What benefits are offered?

Permanent, full-time employment
Flexible and alternative work schedules
10 paid Federal holidays
13 days of vacation per year (20 after 3 years, 26 after 15 years)
13 days of sick leave per year
Low-cost term life insurance
Choice of several health plans
Excellent, 3-tiered retirement plan with tax-deferred benefits and agency matching contributions up to 5% of salary.
Relocation expense may be paid.

What does a typical day look like at MDA?

There is no typical day as a negotiator at MDA. Some days you will conduct complex cost analysis. Other days you will prepare a written business case and present it to senior leaders. Sometimes you will meet with defense industry executives to collaborate on ideas that meet their goals while fulfilling MDA’s mission. No two days are exactly alike.