Contracts Manager

AV; Dayton (OH); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 143,325; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) with company matching

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AV seeks a Contracts Manager skilled in managing contracts in the aerospace sector. This role demands 6–8 years of experience in contract administration, knowledge of federal regulations, and a Secret security clearance. Responsibilities include overseeing the contract lifecycle, negotiating agreements, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The position is flexible in location, allowing work from Herndon, VA, or Annapolis Junction, MD, and offers a salary between $101,000 – $143,325. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6–8 years of experience in aerospace/defense/government contracting.
• Current expertise in federal and international regulations.
• Holder of a Secret level Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with teams on bid and proposal preparation.
• Perform contract management throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Draft and negotiate agreements such as Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Skills

Complex thinking skills

Contract management

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Contracts Manager

Location: Flexible. You may be based in either Herndon, VA or Annapolis Junction, MD.

Locations & Work Schedule

We offer a 9/80 work schedule and work-from-home days. The average expectation is to be in the office 2–3 times per week.

Summary

The Contracts Manager position requires complex thinking skills and a deep understanding of contract management processes and regulations as they pertain to complex aerospace projects. You will partner closely with cross‑functional teams—including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering—to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be essential in evaluating contract performance, managing relationships, and ensuring the execution of agreements that support business goals. The Contracts Manager develops the bid, capture and contract negotiation processes and documents, and ensures efficient performance throughout the contract life cycle, supporting amendments and interpretations as necessary.

Position Responsibilities

• Work closely with Operations, the Contracts team and other functions including Sales, Strategy and Marketing, Finance, and the Legal team on bid and proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract review and administration for new and sustaining products and services.
• Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations, executing contract modifications, initiating contract close‑outs and providing overall contract support to programs with complex, multi‑year contracts.
• Draft, evaluate, and negotiate various agreements such as Non‑Disclosure Agreements, Sales/Purchase Agreements, Subcontracts, Consulting Agreements, License Agreements, Master Agreements and other contractual agreements such as FAR‑based contracts and OTAs.
• Ensure that agreements/terms and conditions comply with all applicable regulations and requirements, while also adhering to company policies.
• Conduct a thorough review of contract terms and other agreements, identifying unfavorable clauses and incorporating necessary revisions to maximize protection for the company; analyze the impact of these modifications and prepare risk reviews for management.
• Manage and monitor the performance of long‑term contracts and agreements; analyze and concisely summarize contractual obligations, commitments, and performance for internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate flow‑downs of terms and conditions with all functional departments including program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain management, and manufacturing as required.
• Liaise with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit agencies; serve as the primary point of contact for all internal and external audits.
• Oversee maintenance of accurate files for each contract, including original contract, all correspondences, changes/deviations, modifications/amendments, clarifications, etc.
• Review uploaded contract data in business systems to ensure data is accurate and complete.
• Oversee maintenance and retrieval of contract documents/files, validate data, prepare reports, and participate in status reviews.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 6–8 years of experience performing duties and responsibilities in an aerospace/defense/government contracting environment.
• Holder of a Secret level Security Clearance (Top Secret preferred).
• Current expertise in federal and international regulations and relevant legal concepts.
• Significant experience in directly related international and DoD/Federal prime government contract administration/management.
• Entrepreneurial focus and ability to thrive in a dynamic, technically focused environment.
• Business acumen with experience in developing innovative solutions and a successful record of problem‑solving.
• Ability to translate between business and technical risk and communicate clearly to leadership.
• Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills.
• FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge; working knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition laws and regulations.
• Broad experience with a variety of contract types: firm fixed price, cost‑type, commercial/non‑commercial, production, development, and sustainment.
• Broad experience with license, non‑disclosure, and teaming agreements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (e.g., FAR Part 15).
• Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Collaborative work style that inspires confidence in co‑workers and customers.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certified and advanced degree preferred.
• Key contributor to continuous improvement and implementation of company procedures and contract management processes.
• Works well with varying seniority levels, including staff, managers, and external partners.
• Highly organized with the ability to conduct business professionally.
• Critical thinking, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Process‑oriented, results‑ and deadline‑driven; professional appearance and conduct at all times.
• Familiarity with finance and accounting procedures.
• Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment with small teams sharing a broad variety of duties.
• Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office environment (constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).
• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc.; hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
• May require travel to sites/programs and special functions.

Environmental Conditions

• Ability to work in an office environment (constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
• SECRET level security clearance required (TS Clearance preferred).

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary Range

$101,000 – $143,325

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information subject to compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR, or be approved for an export license by the governing agency. The position may require additional U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our benefits, visit http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.