Director of Contracting

Socket.dev; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 193,000 - 227,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

401(k) retirement plan

Equity grants

Professional development reimbursement

Job summary

Saildrone, a maritime defense company, seeks a Director of Contracting to join our Business Development Team in Washington, DC. You will lead negotiation and execution of contracts with US Government, commercial and international customers, and manage relationships with procurement authorities.

The role requires extensive experience, a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance, and a proven ability to move fast in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of hands-on experience negotiating and executing contracts with US Government, Commercial and International customers.
• TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance (or ability to obtain).
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end management and design of execution processes for commercial and Federal agreements, from draft to signing.
• Lead negotiation and execution of a diverse portfolio of agreements (subcontracting, teaming, consortium, modifications).
• Cultivate and manage relationships with customer procurement authorities across all levels.
• Support proposals team in reviewing and structuring bids and formal proposals.
• Collaborate with VP of Business Development and Head of Legal to ensure alignment with policies and FAR.
• Coordinate with Finance, Operations, Engineering, PMs, and Account Executives for seamless handover of closed business.

Skills

Contract negotiation

US Government contracts

Proposal management

Inter. clients & DoD/intl

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

THE COMPANY

Saildrone is a maritime defense company and the global leader in autonomous unmanned surface vehicles (USVs). With more ocean miles and real-world operational experience than any USV manufacturer or operator, Saildrone maintains active, combat-deployed systems supporting national security and force projection around the world, 24/7/365.
Saildrone’s manufacturing and R&D headquarters are located in Alameda, CA, with business development and sales operations in Washington, DC, and deployment hubs in Europe and the Middle East. By combining proven autonomous operations, edge computing, advanced sensing, renewable power, and the most advanced and robust unmanned surface technology on the planet, Saildrone is shaping how the Navy of the future operates. Join a fast-moving, mission-driven team at the forefront of maritime security and autonomous innovation.

THE POSITION

Saildrone is seeking a Director of Contracting to join our Business Development Team. Reporting directly to the VP of Business Development, you will play a critical role in negotiating and executing contracts and other agreements with US Government, Commercial and International customers and will be responsible for managing Saildrone’s relationships with customer procurement authorities. We are looking for an experienced, skilled individual who has a relentless energy to get things done and a proven track record of working within a fast-paced environment.

THE TEAM

Saildrone’s Business Development team is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and securing government and commercial partnerships for Saildrone’s autonomous maritime capabilities. We work closely across the defense sector to deliver scalable ocean mapping, maritime domain awareness, and force projection solutions that power national security. Operating in close partnership with Product, Engineering, and Mission Operations teams, we translate complex DoD and Navy requirements into successful missions that perform in demanding real-world environments.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee the end-to-end management and design of execution processes for commercial and Federal agreements, from initial draft through to final signing.
Lead the negotiation and execution of a diverse portfolio of agreements, including subcontracting, teaming, consortium, and contract modifications with International, Commercial, and US Government clients.
Cultivate and manage Saildrone's strategic relationships with customer procurement authorities across all organizational levels, utilizing existing connections with stakeholders and contracting officers to aid the Sales team in capturing new opportunities.
Partner with the Proposals team to provide critical support in reviewing and structuring bids, solicitations, and formal proposals.
Collaborate closely with the VP of Business Development and Head of Legal to evaluate proposals and contracts for alignment with internal policies and applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations, while building out robust compliance initiatives for our expanding operations.
Facilitate cross-functional communication and alignment with Finance, Operations, Engineering, Program Managers, and Account Executives to deeply understand customer delivery models and ensure seamless handover of closed business for operational kickoff.
Administer official contracts databases, maintain accurate Federal registrations, and establish clear best practices for executing commercial activities via Saildrone’s GSA schedule.

THE QUALIFICATIONS

Required skills and experience
10-15 years of hands-on experience in negotiating and executing contracts with and managing relationships with United States Government, Commercial and International customers.
Successful experience submitting and negotiating complex proposals and contracts, including:
Competitive and sole source.
Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursable.
USG, Foreign and Commercial.
Multiple USG Agencies and contractual vehicles (GSA, IDIQ, BPA, OTA, FAR Part 12 and FAR Part 15).
Hardware production and service provision.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TOP SECRET / SCI security clearance.
Desired skills and experience
Contract Management Certifications (e.g. DAWIA, CFCM).
Active TOP SECRET / SCI security clearance.
Strong, pre-existing working relationships with Federal contracting organizations.
Deep knowledge of and experience with GSA schedules.
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
Executive presence and professional demeanor.
Impeccable judgment.
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to adjust quickly and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as the ability to learn new computer applications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is primarily performed on a computer and requires the ability to operate a keyboard and other peripheral devices.
Ability to travel to corporate headquarters in Alameda at least once every 6 months.
The base salary range for this position is shown below. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and qualifications. This range reflects the base salary for candidates in states requiring pay transparency disclosure.
Salary Range
$192,551—$226,530 USD
To view Saildrone's candidate privacy policy, please visit: https://www.saildrone.com/privacy-policy.

BENEFITS

• At Saildrone, we’re building operational capability that matters—and that requires people who can do their best work over the long term. We invest in our team’s well‑being, financial security, and professional growth so you can focus on delivering real‑world impact with confidence and stability. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you and your family while you contribute to a mission with lasting significance.
• Generous Time Off: Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual plus a robust annual holiday schedule and paid sick leave ensure you can rest, reset, and sustain performance over time.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Premium, multi-tier Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with significant company contributions for employees and dependents—providing security and peace of mind.
• Shared Ownership in the Mission: Equity grants are a core part of our compensation, allowing you to participate in the long‑term value you help create through meaningful, operational work.
• Retirement Savings — Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with flexible pre‑tax and Roth payroll contribution options supports long‑term financial planning.
• Investment in Your Growth: We support your continuous learning through an annual professional development reimbursement program, empowering you to sharpen your skills and stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving field.
• Relocation Support — For eligible roles, we offer relocation assistance to help bring the world’s best talent to our mission‑critical locations.
• Saildrone is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.