Contracts Manager

Summary: The Contracts Manager supports the full lifecycle of government and commercial contracts for a solid rocket motor company. This role ensures compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and customer requirements while assisting with proposals, contract negotiations, modifications, and documentation. The Contracts Manager works closely with Program Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Finance to ensure contractual obligations are met and risks are properly managed throughout program execution. Reports to the Director of Supply Chain & Contracts.

Key Responsibilities: Contract Administration Administer contracts from award through closeout, including modifications, funding actions, and change orders. Interpret and apply FAR/DFARS clauses, agency supplements, and prime‑contractor flow‑downs. Maintain accurate and complete contract files, correspondence, and deliverables. Track contract value, funding, obligations, and key milestones. Proposal & Negotiation Support Support proposal development, including terms and conditions review, compliance matrices, and pricing inputs. Prepare contractual documents such as NDAs, teaming agreements, and subcontract flow‑downs. Assist in negotiations with government agencies and prime contractors. Ensure compliance with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (TINA) when applicable. Customer & Internal Coordination Serve as a point of contact for contractual matters with DoW, NASA and major prime contractors. Provide guidance to internal teams on contract requirements, obligations, and limitations. Participate in program reviews, customer meetings, and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).Compliance & Regulatory Oversight Ensure adherence to ITAR, EAR, NIST 800‑171, CMMC, and other defense‑sector regulations. Support internal and external audits, including DCMA, DCAA, and prime‑contractor reviews. Coordinate with Trade Compliance and Security for handling classified or controlled information. Monitor regulatory changes and communicate impacts to program teams. Risk & Issue Management Identify contractual risks related to scope, schedule, cost, and regulatory requirements. Support Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), claims, and dispute resolution. Ensure proper flow‑down of contractual requirements to suppliers and subcontractors.

Qualifications: Required Bachelor’s degree in Business, Contract Management, Engineering, or related field.2–5 years of experience in government contract administration, preferably in aerospace or defense. Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and government contracting practices. Experience supporting DoW, NASA, or major defense primes. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Preferred Juris Doctorate (law degree) Experience with solid rocket motors, propulsion systems, or energetic materials. Experience with cost‑plus, fixed‑price, and OTA contract structures. Familiarity with government audits and Earned Value Management (EVM).Deltek Costpoint and SharePointCore Competencies Contract interpretation and compliance Attention to detail in high‑stakes environments Cross‑functional collaboration Clear communication with technical and non‑technical teams Risk awareness and problem‑solving Strong documentation and follow‑through Work Environment & Physical Requirements Work is performed in office, machine shop, laboratory, and energetics manufacturing environments, including high-hazard areas subject to enhanced safety and security controls. Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with site safety, explosive-safety, electrostatic discharge (ESD), and access-control requirements. Ability to move throughout a manufacturing site, inspect physical tooling, participate in shop‑floor audits, and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Regular, reliable attendance is required. Periodic travel to vendor machine shops, secondary company facilities, or customer sites may be required during startup, tool qualification, or critical production events.