Junior Contracts Administrator

SARA; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision, disability &

Life insurance

PTO and holidays

Tuition & certification reimbursement

Flexible work schedules

Discretionary bonuses

401(k) match/profit sharing

Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

Job summary

SARA is seeking a motivated Junior Contracts Administrator in Colorado Springs to manage government and commercial contracts from inception to closeout. You will collaborate with engineers and project teams to prepare proposals, review terms, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

You will develop pricing strategies, track milestones, and support audits while maintaining meticulous records and timely communications with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED or equivalent
• 0–1 years of experience managing government contracts
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Pro)
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Analytical thinking and problem solving
• Strong organizational skills and multitasking ability
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• US Citizen able to obtain DoD security clearance
• Light physical effort and standing/sitting up to 15 pounds
• Indoor, quiet, well-lit work environment

Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete life cycle of government and commercial contracts and subcontracts, including negotiations and extensions
• Assist in cost proposals and pricing strategies and compile final submission packages
• Ensure adherence to applicable laws and company policies governing government contracts
• Maintain records of proposals and contracts with timely reporting on milestones
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks with project managers and finance
• Support audits and reviews by government agencies and prepare required documentation
• Update departmental forms, procedures, and templates to regulatory standards
• Prepare contract-related letters, notices, and communications
• Review, negotiate, and administer NDAs and related agreements
• Interface with stakeholders to resolve contract issues and invoicing concerns
• Support management with monthly/quarterly reporting on obligations and deadlines
• Provide guidance and training on government contract processes and compliance
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Independent work

Security clearance readiness

Education

High School diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Adobe Acrobat Pro

Job description

Scientific Applications & Research Associates, Inc. (SARA) is a world-class Defense Research and Development enterprise, with a charter to create new and emerging technology innovations in support of Commercial & Government organizations. We have expertise in RF, EMP, Pulsed Power, Acoustics and Threat Warning Systems; partnering with our customers to address real-world problems with cost-effective solutions… that work.

SARA is looking for a remarkably talented and motivated Junior Contracts Administrator to support activities out of our Colorado Springs, CO location. The candidate will have the opportunity to grow and learn with talented engineers, physicists, and technicians on long-standing programs and new programs supporting our customers.

The Junior Contracts Administrator is responsible for full-cycle contract management and proposal preparation support on a day-to-day basis. Duties may vary depending on the scope and complexity of projects. This role involves non-routine contract and proposal activities that require the development of specialized contract vehicles and strategies to meet business goals and objectives. The Contracts Administrator collaborates with project teams to assist in the preparation and assembly of proposals, reviews a wide range of company contracts supporting both government and commercial clients, and provides administrative support to assigned workgroups within SARA. All duties are performed in compliance with company policies, as well as Federal, State, and Local regulations.

A successful Junior Contracts Administrator will exhibit exceptional attention to detail and the ability to identify potential risks to SARA. This role requires a strong analytical approach to reviewing proposals and contracts, with a focus on cost reduction, profit maximization, and ensuring legal compliance. The ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines, as well as multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment, is essential.

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee the complete life cycle of both government and commercial contracts and subcontracts, including reviewing and negotiating terms and conditions for new contracts, managing ongoing contract modifications and extensions, and handling contract closeouts
• Assist in the creation of cost proposals and pricing strategies, including reviewing Request for Proposal (RFP) requirements, preparing proposal documentation, assisting with pricing proposals, and compiling final submission packages
• Ensure adherence to all applicable Federal, State, and Local laws, regulations, and policies governing government contracts
• Maintain accurate and current records of all proposals and contracts, and ensure timely reporting on contract milestones, deliverables, and compliance requirements
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks, working closely with project managers (PMs), finance, and other departments to resolve any issues effectively
• Support audits and reviews from government agencies, including preparation of required documentation and addressing audit inquiries
• Assist the Contracts team in ensuring that all departmental forms, procedures, and templates are up to date and compliant with regulatory standards
• Prepare various contract-related letters, notices, and other communications
• Review, negotiate, and administer Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) and other related agreements
• Interface with internal and external stakeholders to resolve any contract-related issues, invoicing concerns, or other contract-related matters in a timely manner
• Support company management and project teams by generating monthly and quarterly reports, ensuring all deadlines and contractual obligations are met
• Provide guidance and training to internal teams on government contract processes, compliance requirements, and offer administrative support to other business units as needed
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Requirements:

• High School diploma, GED, or equivalent
• 0 1 years of experience managing government contracts
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on excellent customer service
• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to identify errors and inconsistencies
• Resourceful, with strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Outstanding organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently
• Ability to work effectively with a range of individuals, including staff, managers, executives, and external partners
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively within a team environment
• A proactive mindset with an eagerness to streamline processes and improve workflows
• Strong passion for driving results and meeting organizational objectives
• US Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance
• May require light physical effort, involving standing, sitting, and use of hands while performing duties, carrying or lifting up to 15 pounds
• Working environment is indoor, moderately quiet, reasonably clean, well lighted and well ventilated

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field
• 1 2 years of experience managing government contracts
• Active DoD Top Secret Clearance
• In-depth understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
• Experience with a variety of contract types, including but not limited to Time and Materials (T&M), Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Cost Plus (CPFF/CPIF/CPAF)
• Familiarity with accounting procedures and financial analysis
• Experience working with federal government agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors
• Previous experience in contract administration within a defense or aerospace environment
• CCMA, CFCM, or CPCM certification
• Experience with Deltek Costpoint and ProPricer

SARA offers a competitive benefits package to include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance; and other supplemental programs
• A generous PTO program (vacation, sick, holiday)
• Tuition & certification reimbursement
• Flexible work schedules
• Discretionary Employee bonuses
• 401(k) match/profit sharing
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Pay Range

Salary at SARA is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $27.50 - $30 (hourly USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of SARA's total compensation package for employees. Positions are on-site, unless indicated otherwise.

Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

SARA is an equal employment opportunity employer.