Federal Contracts Specialist

Aether Aerospace; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 106,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Aether Aerospace is seeking a Contracts Administrator to join the Corporate Contracts team in Huntsville, AL. You will manage prime contracts, subcontracts, and related procurements across multiple business units, ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and government regulations.

The role requires strong negotiation, financial tracking, reporting, and collaboration with Program Management, Finance, Legal, and Leadership to support growth and reliable contract execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Admin, Finance, Contracts Management, or related field; 5–7 years in federal contract administration.
• Experience with prime and subcontract lifecycle, FAR/DFARS knowledge.
• Ability to obtain Secret clearance and negotiate contracts.

Responsibilities

• Administer full lifecycle of federal contracts and subcontracts.
• Review and negotiate contract agreements for compliance.
• Prepare contractual reports and funding status updates.
• Coordinate with finance, program management, and leadership.
• Support proposal development and bid documentation.
• Draft NDAs, MOUs, and teaming agreements.
• Monitor funding, periods of performance, and cost performance.
• Ensure audit readiness and contract closeout.

Skills

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Contract negotiation

Proposal development

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Multi-contract management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Contracts Management, Legal Studies, or related field

Tools

JAMIS

Unanet ERP

Costpoint ERP

Microsoft Office

Job description

Start Date: Immediate

JHNA, CTSI, and EXPANSIA have come together to form a Defense Technology platform named Aether Aerospace focused on delivering high-impact technologies, technology-enabled services and advanced manufacturing solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and related national security customers. Backed by Falfurrias Management Partners, the platform brings together deep domainexpertiseacross Army, Navy, and Air Force and Space Force programs, digital engineering, systems integration, and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

The combined organization operates as a multi-entity aerospace and defense technology and tech-enabled services and manufacturing enterprise positioned for scalable growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

OVERVIEW

Full-time/Permanent Employee

Location: Candidate must live within a commutable distance to one of the following areas: Patuxent River, MD, Huntsville, AL, Sarasota, FL, or Newport News, VA.

As a Contracts Administrator, you will serve as a key member of Aether's Corporate Contracts team, managing the full lifecycle of federal government contracts and subcontracts across multiple business units. This role partners closely with Program Management, Business Development, Capture, Pricing, Finance, Legal, and Executive Leadership to ensure contractual compliance while supporting strategic growth initiatives.

The ideal candidate is experienced in federal government contracting and possesses a strong understanding of FAR/DFARS, proposal development, contract negotiation, subcontract administration, and contract closeout. This position requires excellent organizational skills, sound business judgment, and the ability to independently manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILTIES

• Administer the full lifecycle of federal government prime contracts, subcontracts, task orders, purchase orders, modifications, and contract closeout activities.

• Review, negotiate, interpret, and administer standard and non-standard contract agreements while ensuring compliance with company policies and applicable federal regulations.

• Monitor contract funding, expenditures, burn rates, and period of performance to support proactive financial management and ensure contractual compliance.

• Prepare and distribute standardized program financial reports, dashboards, and funding status updates to Program Managers, Delivery Leaders, and Executive Leadership to support informed business decisions.

• Partner closely with Program Management, Delivery Leadership, Finance, and Project Controls to understand program financial performance, contractual funding limitations, revenue recognition impacts, and customer reporting requirements.

• Analyze contract financial data to identify funding shortfalls, cost trends, billing considerations, and contractual risks, providing timely recommendations to leadership.

• Serve as the authoritative contract management representative for assigned programs by ensuring contractual and financial records remain accurate, current, and aligned across contract management and ERP systems.

• Coordinate with Finance to ensure timely implementation of contract awards, modifications, funding actions, invoicing requirements, and revenue-related contract changes.

• Support proposal development efforts by reviewing solicitations, identifying contractual requirements, developing compliance matrices, and preparing contractual documentation.

• Prepare, review, negotiate, and administer Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Teaming Agreements (TAs), Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), Consultant Agreements, and other business agreements.

• Draft, issue, and administer subcontractor Requests for Proposal (RFPs), Requests for Quotation (RFQs), subcontract awards, modifications, and closeout documentation, including appropriate FAR/DFARS flow-down requirements.

• Analyze contract terms, cost proposals, pricing information, delivery schedules, statements of work, and performance requirements to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Advise management and program teams regarding contractual rights, obligations, risks, IP protections, ITAR and other compliance requirements throughout the contract lifecycle.

• Monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual requirements, customer expectations, company policies, and government regulations.

• Prepare and coordinate contractual correspondence, modifications, notifications, deliverables, and status reports with internal stakeholders and government customers.

• Maintain accurate contract files, historical records, correspondence, and documentation within company contract management systems.

• Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and internal processes that increase efficiency and ensure consistent contract administration across the enterprise.

• Partner with Business Development and Capture teams during proposal development, competitive pursuits, and strategic growth initiatives.

• Lead negotiations for teaming agreements, subcontract agreements, strategic partnerships, and other collaborative business arrangements.

• Identify contractual risks and recommend mitigation strategies to leadership.

• Support internal and external audits related to government contracts and ensure documentation is audit-ready.

• Collaborate closely with Finance, Pricing, Program Management, Procurement, Security, and Executive Leadership to ensure successful contract execution.

• Perform additional contract administration and compliance duties as assigned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Clearance: Ability to obtain Secret clearance

Education and Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Contracts Management, Legal Studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience). 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in federal government contract administration.

• Experience supporting both prime contracts and subcontract administration throughout the full contract lifecycle.

• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government contracting principles.

• Experience administering multiple contract types including CPFF, T&M, FFP, IDIQ, BPA, and Task Orders.

• Experience supporting proposal development and contract negotiations.

• Ability to interpret solicitations, contract clauses, and government regulations.

• Experience developing subcontract documentation including RFQs, RFPs, subcontract agreements, modifications, and closeout packages.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to compliance.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including SharePoint and TEAMS.

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience supporting DoD or Federal Government contractors.

• Experience with JAMIS, Unanet ERP, or Costpoint ERP systems.

• National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certification (CFCM, CCCM, or CPCM).

• Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, or multi-entity contract portfolios.

• Familiarity with Small Business regulations, subcontracting plans, OCI requirements, export compliance, and organizational compliance programs.

$106,000 - $132,000 a year

There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.

Aether Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.