Contracts Lead

Moog Military Aircraft LLC; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Moog Military Aircraft LLC is seeking a Contracts Lead for the Turreted Weapon Systems Business Unit in Santa Barbara, CA. This role involves mentoring team members, leading contract negotiations, and developing strategies aligned with operational goals.

The ideal candidate has significant experience in US Government contracting and strong influence and communication skills. A Bachelor’s degree is required, with advanced degrees and certifications preferred. The salary range is $95,000 to $175,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in US Government contracting.
• Experience negotiating, drafting, and managing FAR/DFAR-subject contracts.
• Solid experience in proposal development.

Responsibilities

• Mentor Contract Specialists and Program Administrators.
• Lead the development of contract strategies.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Advise on compliance with FAR/DFAR and company policies.
• Lead negotiations with customers and partners.
• Collaborate on contract terms and pricing strategies.
• Monitor financial and operational performance.

Skills

Influence and collaboration

Communication skills

Contract negotiation

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degrees or certifications

Job description

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. Our people enjoy solving interesting technical challenges in a culture where everyone trusts each other to do the right thing, fostering deeper job satisfaction, better rewards, and a quality of life both inside and outside of work.

Job Title

Contracts Lead – Turreted Weapon Systems Business Unit, Defense Division (Santa Barbara, CA)

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Development: Mentor Contract Specialists and Program Administrators, foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning, and collaborate on training, policies, and workload rationalization.
• Contract Management & Strategy: Lead the development and execution of contract strategies aligned with Moog’s operational and financial objectives to ensure successful program outcomes.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations: Build and maintain leverageable business relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers, working closely with legal, finance, and senior Contracts leadership on negotiations, renewals, amendments, commerciality support, and dispute resolution.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Advise on compliance with FAR/DFAR, company policies, and contractual obligations; monitor risk and implement mitigation strategies.
• Contract Negotiation: Lead or guide high‑stakes negotiations with customers and partners, including government agencies and aerospace defense customers, to maximize value while managing risk.
• Proposal Support: Collaborate with proposal teams on contract terms, pricing strategies, risk identification, and compliance with solicitation requirements.
• Contract Financial Performance Monitoring: Monitor contractual financial and operational performance, address issues with program teams, and develop mitigation strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in US Government contracting.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degrees or professional certifications (Masters, PhD, JD, CFCM) preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience negotiating, drafting, and managing FAR/DFAR‑subject contracts.
• Solid experience in competitive and non‑competitive proposal development.
• Strong influence, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to lead and develop junior Contracts professionals.

Salary

Santa Barbara, CA: $95,000.00–$175,000.00 annually (base salary range). Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and performance and are one component of the total compensation package.

EEO Statement

Moog is an Equal Opportunity Employer and affirms the right of every person to participate in all aspects of employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic.