Contract Specialist - HYBRID

Piper Companies; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Contract Specialist (level II) in the Arlington/DMV-Metro area. This hybrid role requires 2-3 days on-site per week at the Arlington, VA office and supports a high‑visibility DARPA program with opportunities for career advancement.

The Contract Specialist will prepare and administer DoD FAR Part 35 contracts, assist in negotiations, and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS regulations.

Qualifications

• Active TS or TS/SCI clearance required.
• Minimum 6+ years in government contracting (officer or specialist preferred).
• Full cradle-to-grave contract administration experience.
• Experience preparing cost proposals, negotiating terms, and analyzing cost/price.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Active TS/SCI clearance

6+ years government contracting

Cradle-to-grave contract admin

FAR/DFARS experience

DARPA/NAVSEA familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is looking for a Contract Specialist (seeking level II, 6-10 years experience) 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 2-3 days a week 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 TS or TS/SCI clearance REQUIRED*
• 6+ years of experience in government contracting (officer or specialist preferred)
• 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: $110,000-$160,000 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 October 20, 2026 and will be open for 30 days.

#LI-AK #LI-Hybrid

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