Contracts Manager

AV; Simi Valley (CA); Hybrid; USD 101,000 - 143,325; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with company matching

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid holiday shutdown

Flexible work schedule

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

AV is seeking a Contracts Manager responsible for overseeing contracts for complex aerospace projects. The role emphasizes collaboration with various teams to streamline contract workflows, negotiate terms, and ensure compliance with regulations. Candidates should have 6-8 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree, and the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance. A robust benefits package and flexible work schedule are offered, with a salary range of $101,000 to $143,325.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of experience in aerospace/defense/government contracting environment.
• Knowledge of Federal and International regulations.
• Ability to obtain U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Manage bid and proposal preparation.
• Conduct contract negotiations and administration.
• Evaluate and negotiate agreements.

Skills

Contract drafting and negotiation

Business acumen

Ability to translate business and technical risk

Interpersonal and communication skills

Problem-solving and analytical skills

Critical thinking

Knowledge of FAR/DFAR

Experience with contract types

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Work Location and Schedule

We are flexible regarding work location, and you may choose to be based in either Herndon, VA or Annapolis Junction, MD. We offer a flexible work schedule, including a 9/80 work schedule and work-from-home days. The average expectation is that you will be in the office 2–3 times a week.

Job Description

The Contracts Manager position requires complex thinking skills, with a deep understanding of contract management processes and regulations as they pertain to complex aerospace projects. As a Contracts Manager 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 then ensures efficient performance throughout the contract’s lifecycle, 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, including FAR‑based contracts, OTAs, etc.
• 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 agreements, identifying unfavorable clauses and incorporating necessary revisions to maximize protection for the Company. Analyze the impact of these modifications and prepare recommendations and 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‑related data in business systems to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Oversee maintenance and retrieval of contract documents/files, validate data, prepare reports, and participate in status reviews.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field, or 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.
• Presently hold or be capable of obtaining a U.S. Security Clearance (Secret, 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 and excel in a dynamic and technically focused environment.
• Demonstrated 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 applied knowledge of the requirements of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (e.g., FAR Part 15).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
• Demonstrated capability working successfully in a collaborative environment 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 individual with the ability to conduct business in a professional manner.
• Demonstrates critical thinking, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Process‑oriented, results and deadline‑driven; professional appearance and conduct at all times.
• Demonstrates familiarity with finance and accounting procedures.
• Excellence in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Has 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.

Special Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be able to travel within the continental U.S. and internationally when required.
• Secret or TS clearance preferred; ability to obtain a clearance is required.

Clearance Level

Secret

Salary Range

$101,000 – $143,325

ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person approved for an export license by the governing agency. A “U.S. person” is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. The role may require current 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.

Equal Opportunity 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.