Principal Contracts Administrator

NPAworldwide; Concord (MA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

NPAworldwide is seeking a highly experienced Principal Contracts Administrator to own its government and commercial contract portfolio in a senior DoD environment. You will lead negotiations, cost proposals, and compliance across the contract lifecycle, partnering with program managers and leadership.

This role offers influence over contractual strategy in a technically sophisticated setting with autonomy and growth opportunities within a growing technology business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related discipline with 10+ years in DoD/ government contracts.
• Knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTAs, data rights and IP considerations.
• Experience developing and managing complex government contract cost proposals.
• Strong familiarity with the government competitive proposal and acquisition process.
• Advanced Excel modeling and proficiency across Office apps.
• Ability to negotiate terms, manage risk, and protect organizational interests.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Capable of handling multiple priorities with strict deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle contract management for government contracts, OTAs, and subcontracts.
• Develop, review, and negotiate cost proposals and term sheets.
• Negotiate contracts and modifications to protect company interests.
• Draft and review NDAs, Teaming, and License Agreements.
• Interpret requirements with program managers and advise on risk and compliance.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and data rights/IP requirements.
• Support government property administration, audits, and closeout.
• Collaborate with purchasing to ensure subcontract compliance with prime contracts.
• Provide guidance on regulatory changes and export control requirements.
• Possibly serve as Export Compliance Officer based on experience.

Skills

Negotiation

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or related

NCMA certification

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

An established and growing defense technology organization is seeking a highly experienced Principal Contracts Administrator to take ownership of its government and commercial contract portfolio.

This is a senior-level opportunity for a contracts professional who brings deep expertise in DoD contracting, complex negotiations, cost proposal development, and regulatory compliance.

Reporting to the Director of Contracts and Supply Chain, you will lead contract activities from proposal development and negotiations through execution, administration, and closeout.

You will serve as a trusted advisor to program managers and business leaders, helping shape contractual strategy, manage risk, and support critical national security and research and development programs.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a technically sophisticated, entrepreneurial environment where experienced professionals have the autonomy to contribute, influence business decisions, and work alongside talented multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle contract management across a diverse portfolio of government contracts, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and subcontracts, from proposal submission through final closeout.
• Develop, lead, and review complex government and prime contractor cost proposals, leveraging advanced Excel modeling and financial analysis.
• Negotiate contracts, modifications, and terms and conditions to protect company interests while supporting successful program execution.
• Draft, review, and negotiate business agreements, including NDAs, Teaming Agreements, License Agreements, and other contractual instruments.
• Partner with program managers to interpret contractual requirements, establish project structures, and provide guidance on contract performance and compliance.
• Advise leadership on contractual risks, mitigation strategies, and opportunities to improve business outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable government contracting regulations, including FAR and DFARS, as well as data rights and intellectual property requirements.
• Support government property administration, contract audits, and closeout activities.
• Collaborate with purchasing and supply chain teams to ensure subcontract compliance with prime contract requirements and approved business systems.
• Research and interpret government regulations and provide practical guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Support export compliance activities and, depending on experience, potentially serve as the organization's Export Compliance Officer.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related discipline, with 10+ years of relevant experience managing complex government and DoD contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), data rights, and intellectual property considerations.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex government contract cost proposals.
• Strong understanding of the government competitive proposal and acquisition process.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel modeling skills and proficiency across Microsoft Office applications.
• Proven ability to negotiate contractual terms, manage risk, and protect organizational interests.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility and willingness to take on evolving responsibilities as business needs change.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• NCMA certification or other relevant professional contracting credentials.
• Experience with export control regulations and compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting research and development, defense technology, or national security programs.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to step into a high-impact contracts leadership role supporting technically challenging programs with national security implications. You will have direct visibility with senior leadership, significant responsibility across the contract lifecycle, and the opportunity to influence contractual strategy and business decisions.

The organization offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative work environment with the resources of a larger corporate organization and the flexibility and entrepreneurial culture of a growing technology business.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, or a related discipline, with 10+ years of relevant experience managing complex government and DoD contracts.

Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), data rights, and intellectual property considerations.

Demonstrated experience developing and managing complex government contract cost proposals.

Strong understanding of the government competitive proposal and acquisition process.

Advanced Microsoft Excel modeling skills and proficiency across Microsoft Office applications.

Proven ability to negotiate contractual terms, manage risk, and protect organizational interests.

Exceptional analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Flexibility and willingness to take on evolving responsibilities as business needs change.

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

NCMA certification or other relevant professional contracting credentials.

Experience with export control regulations and compliance requirements.

Experience supporting research and development, defense technology, or national security programs.

Why Is This a Great Opportunity

An established and growing defense technology organization is seeking a highly experienced Principal Contracts Administrator to take ownership of its government and commercial contract portfolio.

This is a senior-level opportunity for a contracts professional who brings deep expertise in DoD contracting, complex negotiations, cost proposal development, and regulatory compliance.

Salary

Salary Type: Annual Salary

Salary Min: $ 180000

Salary Max: $ 220000

Currency Type: USD