Contracts Administrator

Chemring Group; Downers Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) in Downers Grove, IL seeks a Contracts Administrator to support the contract lifecycle from proposal through closeout. The role reports to a Contracts Manager and liaises with program teams to ensure compliant documentation and data integrity.

Responsibilities include reviewing orders, preparing contractual instruments, and coordinating with export compliance, plus maintaining system records across D365, Exostar, and WAWF.

Qualifications

• Must be a lawful US person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act for all employees
• Certifications such as CFCM/CCC M CPCM or ability to gain within one year
• Solid understanding of the contract lifecycle and government contracting principles
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS/ITAR/EAR
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines

Responsibilities

• Support Contracts Manager with proposal development, awards, modifications, and ongoing administration
• Create, update, and maintain contract data in the system of record
• Review customer orders and contractual documents for completeness and accuracy
• Assist in reviewing contractual documents for compliance with terms and regulations
• Coordinate internal contract review packages and obtain approvals
• Prepare routine contractual documents and correspondence (NDAs, teaming agreements)
• Support proposal teams by gathering information and coordinating representations
• Monitor program scope changes and assist change management with cross-functional teams
• Coordinate shipment, acceptance, invoicing, and closeout documentation as needed
• Serve as secondary contractual interface with customers and escalate complex issues
• Develop knowledge of FAR/DFARS/ITAR/EAR to support compliant administration
• Support export compliance by coordinating ITAR/EAR requirements
• Ensure communication of contractual requirements to stakeholders
• Maintain organized contract files per retention procedures
• Assist audits with contractual documentation
• Build relationships with customers and internal teams
• Utilize systems like D365, Exostar, WAWF, and other portals

Skills

ITAR compliance

Explosives eligibility

Contract lifecycle knowledge

FAR/DFARS/ITAR/EAR familiarity

MS Office proficiency

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Related contracts coursework

Tools

D365

Exostar

WAWF

E-Tools

Job description

As Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) celebrates 50 years of building products that protect our country, protect the individual warfighter, and send rockets into outer space, our growth is creating new opportunities to expand our team with talented individuals who want to shape the next era of mission-critical innovation.

CED is well situated in Downers Grove, Illinois - we are located a commuter train ride west of Chicago and a short drive from farmland.

CED’s current salary range for this role is $64,000 - $82,000 per year. At CED, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions may vary based upon, but not limited to education, skills, experience, proficiency, performance, shift, location and geography. In addition to base salary, the total compensation package may also include participation in a bonus, commission or incentive program. CED’s benefit offerings include medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, disability insurance, 401(k) with company match, life insurance and other voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, plus parental leave, adoption assistance, tuition assistance and employer/partner discounts. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule allowing employees to enjoy alternating Fridays off.

JOB SUMMARY

The Contracts Administrator provides administrative and contractual support to CED’s Contracts organization throughout the contract lifecycle, from proposal development through contract closeout. Working under the guidance of a Contracts Manager, Senior Contracts Manager, or Principal Contracts Manager, this position assists in contract administration activities while developing proficiency in U.S. Government and commercial contracting.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Support the Contracts Manager with proposal development, contract awards, contract modifications, and ongoing contract administration activities
• Create, update, and maintain contract data within the system of record, ensuring accurate documentation, data integrity, traceability, and alignment with contract requirements and company procedures
• Review customer purchase orders, contract modifications, and contractual correspondence for completeness and accuracy before processing
• Assist in reviewing contractual documents for accuracy, compliance with contract terms, customer requirements, applicable regulations, and internal procedures
• Coordinate internal contract review packages and obtain required functional approvals
• Prepare routine contractual documents and correspondence including modifications, customer notifications, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), teaming agreements, contractual letters, and other contractual instruments as assigned
• Support proposal teams by gathering contractual information, preparing contractual sections of proposal packages, coordinating certifications and representations, and assisting with proposal submissions
• Assist in monitoring program performance for scope changes and support the contract change management process in coordination with Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, and other stakeholders
• Coordinate shipment documentation, customer acceptance documentation, invoicing support, and contract closeout documentation, as required
• Serve as a secondary contractual interface with customers, supporting fact-finding activities, proposal development, contract awards, and routine contractual communications while escalating complex contractual matters to the Contracts Manager
• Develop a working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), customer contractual requirements, and company policies to support compliant contract administration
• Support export compliance activities by coordinating with the Export Compliance function to identify contractual export control requirements, maintain export-related documentation and records, assist with customer and internal requests, and help ensure compliance with applicable U.S. export control regulations, including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• Ensure contractual requirements and customer deliverables are communicated to appropriate internal stakeholders
• Maintain organized contract files in accordance with company document retention procedures and quality management system requirements
• Support internal and external audits by preparing contractual documentation and responding to requests for information
• Build positive working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders through timely, professional, and accurate communication
• Utilize internal business systems and customer portals including Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), Exostar, PIEE/WAWF, and other electronic business systems required to administer contracts

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

• Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Ensure 100% compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, BACM, Code of Conduct and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
• Special projects and other duties / responsibilities as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Related contracts/subcontracts coursework is preferred

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 6 months of experience supporting contracts, subcontracts, proposal administration, procurement, export management, legal administration, or related business functions
• Experience within the Aerospace & Defense manufacturing industry is preferred but not required

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Lawful US person (ITAR restrictions)
• Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003 (as amended) as required by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) for all employees of Chemring Energetic Devices
• Professional certifications such as NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or ability to gain a certification within one year of placement
• Basic understanding of the contract lifecycle and government contracting principles
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS/ITAR/EAR, or the ability to rapidly develop proficiency
• Ability to use and navigate internal and customer systems, such as D365, Exostar, WAWF, E-Tools, etc.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail; ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and build collaborative working relationships across functional organizations

PHYSICAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects, weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of weight frequently. Involves sitting much of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Regular and routine use of computer.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential job functions of this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Employees will be expected to perform other job functions and duties as may be needed and/or required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Chemring Energetic Devices (CED) is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

CED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.