Contract Manager

Sanmina-SCI Systems de México; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sanmina-SCI Systems de México is seeking a Contract Manager to manage the full lifecycle of contracts, focusing on compliance with government regulations. The ideal candidate has 3-5 years of experience and a strong understanding of federal contract law.

This role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Candidates must be U.S. citizens due to Department of Defense contract requirements.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in defense contract management.
• In-depth knowledge of FAR and DFARS.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of government contracts.
• Provide support during audits related to contract compliance.
• Negotiate terms of government contracts.

Skills

Government Contract Law

Negotiation Skills

Risk Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration or legal studies

Job description

At SCI Technology, a Sanmina Company, we serve those who serve by delivering innovative, trusted and comprehensive products and services that meet and exceed the unique needs of the Defense and Aerospace sector. From avionics to tactical and airborne communications, counter-UAS, integrated manufacturing and cradle-to-grave product life cycle support, we deliver high-reliability solutions that keep service members connected and protected in the field.

Our heritage dates to 1961, as an early supplier to the space program in Huntsville, Alabama. Today, SCI offers a complete range of Defense & Aerospace solutions through our three business segments – Products, Systems Build, and Life Cycle Services. It’s SCI summed up – ALL WE DO to serve those who serve.

At this time, SCI is recruiting highly qualified candidates whose background and career goals meet our needs. Please note that due to Department of Defense contract requirements, U.S. citizenship is required.

Job Summary:

This is an individual contributor Contract Manager role responsible for the full lifecycle management of contracts, ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of contract law, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Responsibilities:

Government Contract Expertise:

• Serve as a subject matter expert for federal government contracting, with a specific emphasis on Department of Defense (DoD) acquisitions.
• Maintain a high level of understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), including all relevant clauses, provisions, and agency‑specific requirements.
• Advise internal teams (e.g., Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Business Development) on FAR/DFARS compliance, contractual obligations, and risk mitigation strategies throughout the program lifecycle.
• Stay current with changes and updates to FAR, DFARS, and other relevant government regulations, assessing their impact on company operations and contracts.

Contract Lifecycle Management:

• Manage the full contract lifecycle for government contracts, including proposal support, negotiation, award, administration, and closeout.
• Proposal Support: Review Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Invitations for Bids (IFBs), and other solicitations to identify and interpret contractual requirements, terms, and conditions. Develop contractual responses and exceptions to solicitation terms.
• Negotiation: Lead and participate in negotiations of government contracts, including various contract types. Negotiate terms related to intellectual property, data rights, indemnification, limitation of liability, termination, and government property.
• Contract Administration: Administer active government contracts, including managing modifications, change orders, task orders, delivery orders, and subcontracts. Ensure all contractual deliverables and reporting requirements are met on time.
• Audits: Support internal and external audits (e.g., DCAA, DCMA) related to contract compliance, cost allowability, and accounting practices as necessary.

Risk Management:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks associated with government programs, proposing and implementing strategies to protect company interests while achieving program objectives.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation plans.

Relationship Management:

• Maintain effective working relationships with government contracting officers (COs), contracting officer representatives (CORs), and other government personnel.
• Collaborate effectively with internal cross‑functional teams, including senior leadership, program managers, finance, and legal, to ensure integrated contract execution.

Document and Systems:

• Accurately maintain contract files and documentation in accordance with company policies and government regulations.
• Utilize and optimize contract management systems (CMS) and other tools for efficient contract administration.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3‑5 years of dedicated experience in defense contract management, government contract administration, or a related legal/contracts role as a seller of products.
• In‑depth knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Experience with various government contract types (FFP, CPFF, CPAF, T&M, IDIQ) and understanding of their associated risks and benefits.
• Strong understanding of government intellectual property and data rights clauses (e.g., DFARS 252.227‑7013, 7014).
• Experience with government cost principles, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA).
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly interpret complex legal and regulatory language.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing government requirements and business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a secure ITAR facility.
• NCMA Federal Contract Manager or World Commerce & Contract Management Practitioner Certification.
• Experience with CPSR (Contractor Purchasing System Reviews).
• Familiarity with export control regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR).
• Experience with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) framework and DFARS 252.204‑7012 (Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting).

Sanmina is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

This is an ITAR facility and applicants must be a US Citizen.