Job Title: Director of Contracts

Department: Contracts

Location: California, Maryland (onsite)

Reports To: President

Impact Summary:

This is an on-site position at our California, MD Headquarters.

The Contracts Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for managing the full lifecycle of government and commercial contracts to ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and DoD procurement regulations. This position supports the company’s growth strategy, business development, and ongoing program execution by providing cradle-to-grave contract management. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced aerospace and defense contracting environment and brings a strong background in federal contracting, financial oversight, and stakeholder management. Experience in Department of Defense (DoD) contracts is required.

"The right candidate may have opportunities for a hybrid work schedule, but must be able to commute on-site weekly and for customer meetings as needed"

Contract Management & Oversight:

· Lead development, negotiation, and execution of prime contracts and subcontracts, ensuring full compliance with FAR/DFARS.

· Manage the administration of multiple prime contracts and subcontracts across a diverse customer base.

· Ensure timely, accurate invoicing to government clients and prime contractors.

· Support smooth transitions for new contract awards.

· Draft, review, and negotiate non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, consulting agreements, contracts, and subcontracts, from proposal stage to project close out ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

· Work with Program Managers to ensure all contractual obligations, deadlines, and reporting requirements are met.

Team Leadership

· Supervise and develop a team of Contracts personnel.

· Build a culture of accountability, growth, and performance.

· Design and deliver training to keep the team current on regulatory changes and best practices.

· Represent the contracts function on the company’s leadership team, working cross-functionally to support broader business goals.

Strategic & Operational Planning:

· Partner with senior leadership to align contract strategies with company objectives and profitability targets.

· Identify and implement process improvements to streamline contract operations.

· Collaborate with business development and proposal teams to support the preparation and submission of proposals, request for information, sources sought and white paper, ensuring compliance with submission requirements.

Financial Oversight:

· Guide contracts personnel in accurate cost allocation, billing, and financial reporting.

· Assist in supporting incurred cost submissions and support audits by DCAA and other agencies.

· Advise on pricing strategies, cost structures, and regulatory compliance (FAR, DFARS, CSA).

Customer & Partner Relations

· Act as the lead negotiator and liaison for government and prime contract discussions.

· Build and sustain strong relationships with government stakeholders and subcontractors.

Competencies:

· Expertise in government contract management, including FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and compliance audits.

· Experience with Federal Government contract administration/negotiation experience involving all contract types (Fixed Price, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, T&M, IDIQ Task/Delivery Order) from contract award to closeout.

· Experience in developing proposals, estimates for engineering and manufacturing contracts of multiple contract types.

· Ability to manage multiple contract administration tasks in a fast-paced environment

· Deep knowledge of DCAA, DCMA, and federal acquisition policies.

· Ability to interpret, draft, and negotiate complex contract terms and conditions.

· Strong leadership and organizational skills with a high attention to detail.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Deltek Costpoint, and other contract management software.

· Effective written and verbal communication skills for working with government agencies, subcontractors, and executive leadership.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Finance, or related field (An additional five (5) years of experience may substitute for a degree).

10+ years of progressive experience in contracts, procurement, and financial administration/management within the DoD aerospace & defense industry.

Has led and mentored a team of contracts personnel.

Proven experience working with prime contractors and government agencies on large-scale defense contracts.

Strong background in government cost accounting, proposal compliance, and subcontract management.

CPCM, CFCM, or DAWIA certification is a plus.

Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

We are seeking a Director of Contracts to join our leadership team and drive the success of our organization. Our company primarily serves the Navy and other Department of Defense clients, offering a dynamic environment where your expertise will make a difference.

In this pivotal role, you will shape our contractual strategy, develop/led a team of Contract personnel, and ensure compliance with federal regulations while supporting company growth and innovation. As the Director of Contracts, you will have a direct impact on our organization’s performance and reputation. You will oversee all prime and subcontract activities, foster a culture of excellence, and collaborate with senior leaders and other stakeholders to optimize contract management and financial outcomes. If you are a strategic thinker with deep expertise in defense contracting, a passion for mentoring teams, and the drive to deliver results, we invite you to apply and make a lasting difference.

This is an on-site position at our California, MD Headquarters.