Federal Contracts Lead for Space & Defense Programs

Ispace Inc

Issaquah (WA, CO)

On-site

USD 120,000 - 180,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

ispace U.S. is seeking a Government Contracts Manager to own the full lifecycle of federal contracts, ensuring FAR/DFARS compliance and strategic alignment with our government programs. The role partners with Legal, Finance, IT, and Program Management and reports to Senior Counsel.

Based in the Washington, D.C. area, you will lead negotiations, monitor performance, and build scalable governance. This is a hands-on, high-impact role with exposure to prime contracts and government-facing

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in contract administration or related field.
8+ years of government contracts experience in aerospace, defense, or a comparable regulated industry.
Working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and NASA FAR Supplement.
Demonstrated negotiation experience with government customers or prime contractors.
Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience.
Ability to work independently in a fast-moving environment where precedent often doesn't exist yet.
Must live in the Washington D.C. area.
Master's degree or higher.
Experience with NASA acquisition, CLPS or commercial services contracts, or firm-fixed-price milestone-based space vehicle contracts.
Familiarity with OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and Space Act Agreements.
Background supporting a company through its first major prime award.
NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or JD.
Working knowledge of export control regimes and cross-border affiliate structures.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Own the full lifecycle of federal contracts — proposal support, negotiation, execution, administration, and closeout — ensuring compliance with the FAR, DFARS, and other applicable federal contracting requirements.
Lead contract negotiations, modifications, and amendments, including negotiation strategy for complex government contracts and teaming or subcontract arrangements.
Monitor contract performance, resolve issues or discrepancies, and run risk assessments; advise leadership on the contractual, financial, operational, and performance risks tied to federal opportunities and existing awards.
Assess ispace U.S.'s processes and build the scalable policies, procedures, governance structures, and decision frameworks needed to operate as a sophisticated federal prime contractor, including executive-level review and escalation mechanisms for significant contractual matters.
Partner with our US and global teams to strengthen federal contracting readiness and compliance across the organization.
Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters with federal contracting officers and agency representatives, and build the relationships with contracting officers, subcontractors, and teaming partners that keep contract execution compliant and on track.
Identify the staffing and capability needs of a growing federal portfolio, and develop training for Business Development, Engineering, Program Management, Finance, and other teams that interact with federal contracts, so compliance expertise isn't held by one person.
Represent ispace-U.S. at government-industry engagements, acquisition forums, conferences, industry days, and other strategic events.
Establish performance metrics and executive reporting on contract execution, acquisition readiness, and portfolio health.
Evaluate prime contractor, subcontractor, teaming, joint venture, and strategic partnership opportunities based on corporate objectives and federal market conditions.
Assist in developing a long-term strategy for increasing ispace-U.S.’s ability to compete independently for prime federal contracts.