Contract Administrator

Keel; Ladson (SC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

401(k) Match

HSA/FSA

Paid Holidays

Paid Time Off

Certification Sponsorship Opportunitie

Shift Differentials

Overtime Potential

Paid on the Job Training

Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities

Job summary

Keel, based in Ladson, SC, is seeking a Contracts Administrator to support proposal development and manage contract terms with government and commercial customers. You will work with program managers to ensure terms are met and contracts are maintained, coordinating with SMEs and handling NDAs.

The role requires 1–2 years in contract management, knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR, CMMC, and MS Office/MS Project proficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 1–2 years’ experience in contract management and government contracting.
• Direct experience with defense industry government organizations and professional certification (e.g. CFCM, CPCM).
• Experience with government contracting processes, FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR and CMMC.
• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency with MS Office and MS Project.

Responsibilities

• Support proposal development and contract execution.
• Review and negotiate government and commercial contract terms.
• Ensure contract review before award and maintain contract documents.
• Coordinate responses with Subject Matter Experts and manage NDA execution.
• Manage company registrations within government and customer portals.
• Advise senior management on contract requirements and risks.
• Collaborate with the Director of Contracts and the Contracts Administration team.

Skills

Contract management

Oral and written communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

FAR/DFARS knowledge

ITAR/EAR knowledge

MS Office

MS Project

Government contracting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Built on Experience. Built for Skill. Built for You.

Keel was formed by bringing together three industry leaders combining generations of hands‑on expertise in steel fabrication, shipbuilding, aerospace, and defense manufacturing.

That means when you join Keel, you’re joining a team backed by decades of proven craftsmanship and real‑world results.

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions — and we do it with pride.

Your Mission:

The Contracts Administrator would support proposal development, review/negotiate contract terms and conditions with Keel’s diverse customers, provide guidance to Keel business leaders, and work with program managers to verify contracts terms are met and contracts are maintained.

Explore the Depth of the Role:

• Support proposal development
• Review/negotiate government and commercial contract terms and conditions
• Complete Keel contract review process prior to contract award
• Manage execution and delivery of contract documents
• Coordinate responses with Keel Subject Matter Experts
• Review and execute Non‑Disclosure Agreements
• Manage company registrations within Government and customer portals
• Work with the Director of Contracts and Contracts Administration team to evaluate contract requirements and advise senior management
• Other related duties as assigned

Requirements:

Mission Readiness:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science or equivalent.
• One to Two (1-2) years’ experience in contract management and private sector and government contracting.
• Direct experience working within defense industry customer (government) organizations, professional certification (e.g. CFCM, CPCM).
• Contract management, effective oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, strong interpersonal and leadership skills, government contracting, FAR/DFARS knowledge, ITAR/EAR knowledge, experience with CMMC, and experience with MS Office and MS Project.
• Organizational & motivational abilities.
• Works well with others.
• Able to multi‑task and establish priorities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, team player, confident, motivated and trustworthy.
• Able to manage deadlines and multitask.

Travel Requirements:

Rare but may occur.

Physical Requirements:

• Light duty. Frequent computer and phone usage.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times (e.g., files, office supplies, etc.).
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, bend, or reach within the office setting.

Become a part of our Builders and you too can...

• Uphold Safety and Quality Standards
• Embody Team Spirit
• Relentless Customer Focus
• Convey Integrity, Trust, and Professionalism
• Execute with Excellence and Velocity

What Keel will build for you:

• Comprehensive Benefit Package
• Competitive Pay
• 401(k) Match
• HSA/FSA
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Internal Referral Bonus Opportunities
• Shift Differentials
• Overtime Potential
• Paid on the Job Training
• Certification Sponsorship Opportunities
• Committed to Individual Career Growth
• We Do Fun Things, Plus More!

Need Assistance?

If you require a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the employment process, please email [e-mail] with details about your request and your contact information. Accommodation requests are reviewed individually on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that this email address is monitored only for inquiries related to reasonable accommodation requests.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

What we build, builds us.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.