Orbital Contracts Lead: Spacecraft Bus & Launch

Sophia Space Inc.; Pasadena, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 112,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

Sophia Space Inc. is seeking a Contract Technical Manager to own end-to-end procurement for spacecraft-bus and related rideshare, interfacing with engineering, legal, and finance. The role emphasizes strong negotiation and technical comprehension to ensure program success.

Based in Pasadena, CA, the position requires coordinating with suppliers, managing milestones, and ensuring ITAR/EAR compliance while leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 3–8 years in contracts management, subcontracts management, or technical procurement in aerospace/space systems.
• Experience negotiating and managing major hardware supplier contracts (spacecraft bus, launch vehicle).
• Hands-on experience drafting SOWs, pricing schedules, milestone payments, and contract changes.

Responsibilities

• Own contract negotiation and administration for spacecraft-bus procurement including SOW, pricing, milestones, delivery schedule, and warranty terms.
• Coordinate technical requirements flow-down and interface-control documents with supplier teams.
• Maintain master procurement schedule and identify risks with recovery plans.
• Lead acceptance testing activities and manage delivery, transportation, and receiving-inspection.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Technical procurement

ITAR/EAR knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/related field

Tools

SOW drafting tools

Milestone tracking tools

Job description

Sophia Space Inc. is seeking a Contract Technical Manager to own end-to-end procurement for spacecraft-bus and related rideshare, interfacing with engineering, legal, and finance. The role emphasizes strong negotiation and technical comprehension to ensure program success.

Based in Pasadena, CA, the position requires coordinating with suppliers, managing milestones, and ensuring ITAR/EAR compliance while leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and outcomes.