Principal Contract Administrator

Job Description We are seeking a high-caliber Lead Program Contracts Manager to provide strategic oversight and expert guidance for a large, complex portfolio of programs. In this role, you will not merely manage contracts; you will serve as a critical business architect, ensuring that our contractual frameworks enable mission success while protecting the company's interests in a high-visibility, high-stakes environment. The National Space Strategic Business Unit works with members of the intelligence and defense communities to deliver space systems that drive mission success and provide resilient mission-level solutions to meet the customer's greatest challenges. What You'll Do: * Strategic Contract Leadership & Execution:
* Portfolio Oversight: Lead the end-to-end lifecycle management and complex portfolio, including Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost Plus (CP), Other Transaction Agreements (OTA), Time & Materials (T&M), CRADA, and IDIQ contracts.
* Trusted Business Advisor: Serve as the primary contractual authority and strategic advisor to executive leadership and program managers, translating complex contractual requirements into actionable business strategies.
* Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify, evaluate, and mitigate business and legal risks through the expert negotiation of Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) to ensure program stability and corporate compliance.
* Growth & Business Development:
* Proposal Architecture: Play a pivotal role in the capture process for new business and follow-on opportunities. Lead the development of contract strategies for proposals and change orders that maximize competitiveness and profitability.
* Relationship Management: Cultivate and sustain high-trust, professional relationships with government customers and internal stakeholders to foster long-term strategic partnerships and business growth.
* Value Optimization: Negotiate favorable business terms that enhance shareholder value while ensuring the delivery of mission-critical capabilities to the customer.
* Compliance & Governance:
* Regulatory Expertise: Apply advanced knowledge of FAR and DFARS to ensure all program activities are compliant with federal acquisition regulations.
* Audit Readiness: Establish and maintain rigorous, auditable contract files. Lead the response and coordination for internal, external, and government audit agencies (e.g., DCAA/DCMA).
* Organizational Integration: Collaborate across Strategic Business Units (SBUs) and Strategic Capabilities Units (SCUs) to align contractual strategies with broader company goals and maintain a productive, professional work environment.
* Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
* Perform other duties as necessary. On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site five days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required. Working Conditions: * Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor. Required Education, Experience, & Skills * Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 6 or more years related experience. * Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education. * A current, active Top Secret/SCI security clearance is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Polygraph. * Advanced Contractual Expertise: Proven track record managing large-scale, complex government contracts within the defense or aerospace sectors.
* Regulatory Proficiency: Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS; advanced expertise in navigating these regulations within a National Security context is highly preferred.
* Negotiation Mastery: Demonstrated ability to lead complex negotiations with government agencies to achieve optimal business outcomes.
* Leadership Presence: Ability to communicate effectively with executive-level leadership and government officials. #LI-JL2 Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * Experience with "Other Transaction Authority" (OTA) and non-traditional procurement paths.
* A methodical approach to risk management in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
* Ability to manage multiple high-priority workstreams simultaneously while maintaining meticulous attention to detail. Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $101398 - $172377 Please note: This range