Contracts Manager, Temporary

Viasat; United States; On-site; USD 141,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat Government Systems Contracts staff will manage a portfolio of US government contracts and support the full lifecycle from formation to closeout. The role involves negotiating with customers, shaping contracting strategies, and mitigating risk across DoD, NASA, and commercial programs.

This temporary position runs approximately October 2026 to January 2027, with travel up to 20% and potential for Top Secret clearance. Base pay ranges widely by location and program scope within the US.

Qualifications

• 9+ years of progressive government contracts experience
• Expertise in FAR Part 15 and FAR Part 12 contracting
• Ability to tailor contractual practices to meet company objectives
• US Top Secret suitability and ability to obtain clearance preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations and manage all phases of contract execution
• Determine contractual approach for key deals and mitigate risk
• Analyze contractual risk across contract types and advise executive leadership
• Collaborate with internal teams to support strategic growth initiatives

Skills

Contract negotiations

FAR Part 15 & FAR Part 12

US government contracting

Contract risk management

Clear written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or related field

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

As part of the Viasat Government Systems Contracts staff, you will be assigned to one of Viasat's most significant development businesses and represent the company to a variety of customers. Responsibilities of this key position include the management and administration of a portfolio of contracts, as well as hands-on transactional contracting assignments for US Government classified bids including design and development opportunities and related support business. This role is responsible for supporting the full contract lifecycle, including contract formation, execution, compliance, performance management, modifications, issue resolution and closeout activities. You will participate in the development of methods, techniques and processes. You will be working with the US government and commercial companies and empowered to propose, prepare, negotiate, administer and manage contracts and other agreements.

Note this is a temporary role, approximate duration of work is October 2026 - January 2027.

The day-to-day

This person will lead negotiations and exercise independent judgment in through all phases of contract execution and customer interaction and will partner with other leaders to execute upon strategic plans and objectives. This role involves determining contractual approach for key deals and implementing and maintaining effective practices for the identification and mitigation of contractual risk for the business area. This individual will be responsible for analyzing contractual risk across contract types, summarizing business considerations for strategic deals and making recommendations to executive leadership. You must effectively and concisely connect with various levels of internal management on contractual issues and support strategic growth initiatives. You may also be requested to lead or support key initiatives for the overall Viasat Government Contracts team.

What you'll need

The ideal candidate will be a fast learner, have experience in creatively solving unique problems for improved results in a high volume fast paced environment, and be a self-starter with the ability to work within broad guidelines. You should have depth of knowledge in US Government acquisition practices and contracting regulations, developing creative business models, terms and conditions risk assessments and mitigation approaches. You may support customer contracting efforts for US Government, NASA, commercial or international programs, and potentially classified efforts.

Requirements:

• 9+ years of progressive government contracts experience and accomplishments including the creation of contracts, proposals and agreements.
• Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field.
• Expertise in FAR Part 15 and FAR Part 12 contracting and regulations
• Able to quickly comprehend business deals, provide strategic input, and effectively tailor contractual practices and agreements to better meet company objectives.
• Ability to develop and apply solutions to complex problems requiring a high degree of ingenuity, creativity, and innovation. Understanding of DoD acquisition policy and familiarity with NASA acquisition practices and regulations is a plus.
• Proficiency in reviewing and drafting contracts and strategic agreements such as Teaming Agreements, Terms Sheets, Licenses, Sales Representative Agreements and negotiating with a keen eye to minimize company risk and improve Viasat's profitable execution success.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to multi-task and administer various responsibilities with internal and external customers while meeting deadlines in a professional and organized manner.
• Ability to obtain a US Top Secret security clearance.
• Travel up to 20%.

What will help you on the job

• Active US Secret or Top Secret security clearance preferred.

Salary range

$141,000.00 - $223,000.00 / annually.

For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $175,500.00- $263,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.