Contracts Manager

Space Kinetic Corp.; El Segundo (CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

401(k) match

Generous PTO

Holidays + winter break

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Performance-based bonus opportunities

Job summary

Space Kinetic Corp. in El Segundo, CA seeks a Contracts Manager to oversee the full contract lifecycle for government and commercial work, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. You will work with legal, proposals, and engineering teams to drive favorable contract outcomes.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years of contracts experience, strong negotiation skills, and deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and ITAR. This startup offers equity, a 401(k) match, generous PTO, holidays, comprehensive benefits,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field and 5+ years of contracts experience.
• Experience negotiating complex subcontract agreements in aerospace/defense.
• Knowledge of ITAR, DFARS, FAR, export controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full contract lifecycle for government and commercial contracts.
• Coordinate with legal, proposals, and engineering teams across departments.
• Provide contract briefs and guidance to program managers throughout contract life cycles.

Skills

5+ years contracts experience

Negotiation skills

FAR/DFARS knowledge

ITAR knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Who We Are

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one or a small number of primary payloads attached to the bus – and unlock a one-to-many system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

A New Paradigm For Space Operations

Who We Are

Space Kinetic is a dual use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attritable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on. Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one or a small number of primary payloads attached to the bus – and unlock a one-to-many system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

What You’ll Do

We are seeking a Contracts Manager, that will oversee the full contract lifecycle for Space government and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and optimizing contract performance. The ideal candidate will combine deep knowledge of commercial and defense contracting with strong negotiation skills and a passion for supporting national security through technological innovation.

The position will be responsible for providing contract support for various CPFF, FFP, T&M, IDIQ Government (FAR/DFARS) contracts, Other Transaction Agreements, and commercial contracts. Support of these contracts will involve proposal support, contract negotiation, contract compliance, contract management, contract modifications, and contract close-out. This role works closely with the legal and proposal teams as well as across the spectrum of Anduril’s accounting, business operations, program, and engineering teams.

What It Takes:

• Execute contract management throughout the life of each contract.
• Complete contract review and acceptance.
• Oversee and prepare contract proposal planning and management and support preparation of proposals.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations, legal requirements, and company policies.
• Assist in identification, development, and implementation of new contract policies and processes.
• Maintain comprehensive contract documentation and compliance records.
• Provide contract summaries and ensure contract execution in accordance with government and company requirements.
• Provide program managers and executives with contract briefs during the life of contracts.
• Provide guidance on FAR/DFARS requirements and other regulatory considerations.
• Cultivate strong, ongoing relationships with internal/external customers.
• Provide contractual guidance and risk mitigation strategies for contractual and business obligations.
• Negotiate complex contractual terms with federal agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of contracts, subcontract, or supply chain management experience, ideally in aerospace, defense, or technology manufacturing
• Proven track record of negotiating and managing complex subcontract agreements in a fast-paced, program-driven environment
• Deep understanding of subcontracting principles including SOW development, pricing structures, risk allocation, and supplier performance management
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in Aerospace & Defense, including ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and export control compliance
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with a desire to collaborate across technical, operational, and business teams
• Results-driven mindset with a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to closing issues and driving accountability
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on execution in a dynamic, startup environment

What We’d Love

• Experience working with the U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command, Space Development Agency, Air Force Research Laboratory, Missile Defense Agency, Intelligence Community, or related organizations
• Experience developing and capturing programs involving spacecraft, payloads, launch, space mobility, missile defense, autonomous systems, or advanced aerospace technologies
• Existing active U.S. security clearance
• Experience at a venture-backed aerospace, defense, or deep technology company
• Experience leading complex proposals, capture teams, and strategic partnerships
• Technical or operational background in space systems, aerospace engineering, defense programs, or military space operations
• Demonstrated ability to influence product strategy based on customer and market insights
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomously driven, and demanding startup atmosphere

Where You’ll Be

The position is based at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA, however hybrid is an option for the selected candidate. Regular domestic travel will be required.

What We Offer

• Equity-Based Compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
• Highly Competitive PTO
• Paid company holidays + winter break
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity.

Pay Range: $125,000 USD - $170,000 USD