Contracts Specialist

Venusaero; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock options

Medical benefits

Flexible schedule

Unlimited PTO

Professional development

Job summary

Venus Aerospace is seeking a Contracts Specialist to join the Legal team in Houston. The role focuses on government-adjacent agreements, with close collaboration across Finance, Operations, BD, and Engineering to manage complex contracts.

As a seasoned contracts professional, you will handle CLM, ensure regulatory compliance, and contribute to contract templates and playbooks. This position combines legal rigor with real-world program delivery on regulated government programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial contracts in a government-facing or government-adjacent environment.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or other regulated sectors with significant government interfaces.
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR or similar regulatory structures.
• Meticulous record-keeping, detail-oriented, capable of managing complex matters.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and cross-functional collaboration.
• In-house Legal or Contracts department experience in engineering, R&D, or government programs.
• Contracts administration credentials (DAWIA, NCMA, or similar) a plus.
• Experience supporting rapid-growth or technology-driven organizations.
• Houston, TX area preferred; remote candidates may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial and government-adjacent agreements, including NDAs, POs, teaming, consulting, and subcontracts.
• Manage contract lifecycle management activities: amendments, renewals, change orders, and close-out.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and internal policies in government-facing environments.
• Maintain organized contract files and support configuration management for contract-related docs.
• Coordinate with Finance, Operations, BD, and Engineering to align terms with operations and compliance.
• Support development and improvement of templates, playbooks, checklists, and workflows.
• Provide guidance on contract interpretation, obligations, and risk assessments.
• Assist with due diligence, regulatory disclosures, and accountability documentation.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, and Program Managers to track deliverables and milestones.

Skills

Contract management

FAR/DFARS ITAR/EAR

Regulated industry

Government contracting

Cross-functional liaison

Documentation

Compliance

In-house legal support

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Contract mgmt systems

Job description

Who We Are:

Venus Aerospace is revolutionizing rocket engine propulsion. With the first generational leap in rocket engine technology since Apollo, our proprietary Rotating Detonation Rocket Engine and Venus Detonation Ramjets deliver historic efficiency and performance across aerospace applications. We are building the next generation of propulsion platforms that enable breakthrough capabilities in space, defense, and commercial high‑speed flight. Our team thrives on solving the toughest engineering challenges and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerospace. At Venus, we’re looking for bold engineers and innovators who want to make history and redefine the future of propulsion.

The Role: Contracts Specialist

Venus Aerospace is seeking an experienced Contracts Specialist to join our Legal team and support a broad range of commercial and government contracting activities, with a strong emphasis on government‑facing and government‑adjacent agreements. This is not an attorney role but is ideal for a seasoned contracts professional with deep experience in the defense, aerospace, or other regulated industries where U.S. Government contracting frameworks are central.

In this role, you will report to the General Counsel. You will work closely with Finance, Operations, Business Development, and Engineering teams to manage the full lifecycle of complex contracts that touch federal agencies, defense primes, and other highly regulated stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide variety of commercial and government‑adjacent agreements, including NDAs, purchase orders, teaming agreements, consulting agreements, and subcontracts.
• Manage all legal contract lifecycle management (CLM), including amendments, renewals, change orders, and close‑out activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies, particularly in government‑facing environments (e.g., FAR/DFARS‑related frameworks).
• Maintain organized contract files and support configuration management processes for contract‑related documentation.
• Coordinate closely with cross‑functional stakeholders to ensure alignment between contract terms, operational realities, and compliance requirements.
• Support development and continuous improvement of contract templates, playbooks, checklists, and workflows.
• Provide guidance to internal teams regarding contract interpretation, obligations, and risk assessments.
• Assist with due diligence, regulatory disclosures, and accountability documentation as needed.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, and Program Managers to ensure contract deliverables, reporting obligations, and milestones are properly understood and tracked.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Logistics or related field.
• 10+ years of experience working with commercial contracts in a government‑facing or government‑adjacent environment.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or other regulated sectors with significant government interfaces.
• Demonstrated expertise with common contracting frameworks, including familiarity with FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, or similar regulatory structures.
• Meticulous record‑keeping skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage complex matters with minimal oversight.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort working cross‑functionally.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and professionalism in handling confidential or sensitive information.
• Prior work in an in‑house Legal or Contracts department supporting engineering, R&D, or government programs.
• Contracts administration credentials (DAWIA, NCMA, or other formal certification a plus).
• Experience supporting rapid‑growth or technology‑driven organizations.
• Familiarity with contract management systems and collaborative document workflows.
• Candidates located in the Houston, TX area are preferred due to the collaborative nature of the role, though remote candidates may be considered.

Benefits

Venus Aerospace employee benefits include a 401(k) plan, stock options, and medical benefits, including dental and vision. We have a flex‑Friday flexible schedule, unlimited PTO, and receive professional development opportunities.

Location

Houston, TX is preferred; however, remote candidates located within the United States will also be considered. Periodic travel may be required based on business needs.

ITAR Requirements

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be able to meet ITAR requirements (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State). You can learn more about ITAR.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Venus Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call [phone]. This email and phone number were created exclusively to assist job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages or any other purposes, such as following up on an application, third party staffing agencies, website technical issues, or any other issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Messages will be returned within five business days.

For additional information about our Equal Opportunity Employment Policy, please visit our EEOP page.