Contract Specialist - HYBRID

Piper Companies; Virginia (MN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Contract Specialist (level II/III) for the Arlington/DMV-Metro area. This hybrid role requires only 1 day on-site per week at the Arlington, VA office and offers opportunities to work on a DARPA program with national security impact.

The ideal candidate brings active Secret clearance and 6+ years of government contracting experience, including cradle-to-grave contract administration and cost proposal work. Bachelor's degree is required.

Qualifications

• Active Secret Clearance required.
• 6+ years of government contracting experience.
• Cradle-to-grave contract administration experience.
• Experience preparing cost proposals and cost/price analysis.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and DoD contracts; OTA experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and administer Department of Defense R&D (FAR Part 35) contracts.
• Assist in the negotiation of contract terms and conditions with government and contractor personnel.
• Prepare contract modifications and maintain accurate contract documentation.
• Analyze procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
• Perform cost and price analysis and support the development of cost proposals.
• Work alongside contracting officers on the team.

Skills

Active Secret Clearance

DoD contracting experience

Cradle-to-Grave contract management

Cost proposal development

FARS/DFARS knowledge

DARPA/NAVSEA familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is looking for a Contract Specialist (seeking level II and level III) in the Arlington/DMV-Metro area. The Contract Specialist will join a highly respected DARPA program with extensive opportunity for career advancement, supporting initiatives that impact national security and technological advancement. This opportunity is hybrid and requires ONLY 1 day on-site in the Arlington, VA office per week!

Responsibilities for the Contract Specialist:

• Prepare and administer Department of Defense Research & Development (FAR Part 35) contracts
• Assist in the negotiation of contract terms and conditions with government and contractor personnel
• Prepare contract modifications and maintain accurate contract documentation
• Analyze procurement policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal regulations
• Perform cost and price analysis and support the development of cost proposals
• Work alongside contracting officers on the team!

Qualifications for the Contract Specialist:

• *Active Secret Clearance required*
• 6+ years of experience in government contracting (officer or specialist preffered)
• Full cradle-to-grave contract administration experience
• Experience preparing cost proposals, negotiating terms and conditions of contracts, preparing contract modifications, administering contracts or subcontracts, and analyzing cost and prices
• Experience working with FARS/DFARS regulations and R&D contracts
• DoD contracting experience preferred
• Experience with OTA's/Cooperative Agreements preferred
• Familiarity/experience with DARPA or NAVSEA is a plus!
• Bachelors' degree required

Compensation for the Contract Specialist:

• Salary: $120,000-$175,000 based on professional experience
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO, Sick Leave as required by law, and Holidays!

This job was posted on September 4, 2026 and will be open for 30 days.

#LI-AK #LI-Hybrid

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