Principal Contracts Administrator

Twenty-Six Defense; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 Schedule

401(k) program

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Life Insurance

Flexible Vacation & PTO

Parental Leave

Employee Referral Program

Voluntary Benefits

Tricare Supplement

Job summary

Twenty-Six Defense in Fort Worth, TX, is seeking a Principal Contract Administrator to manage contracts and subcontracts from proposal through closeout. This mid-level role supports negotiation, compliance, and performance across cross-functional teams in the defense sector.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years in contracts with international experience and a degree in business. The position involves minimal travel and is office-based in Fort Worth, with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred; 6+ years of related experience.
• 2–3 years of international contracts negotiation and administration.

Responsibilities

• Develop, negotiate, administer, and close out contracts and subcontracts.
• Support full lifecycle from proposal development through delivery and closeout.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely fulfillment of deliverables.
• Independently resolve contract-related issues by analyzing root causes and coordinating corrective actions.
• Serve as primary contract contact for customer communications.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Proposal development

Risk assessment

Cross-functional teamwork

MS Office

ERP systems

Contract management tools

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Contract management tools

Job description

Company Information

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense is dedicated to supporting those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Company Information

Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, is a leading provider of high-performance products, system solutions, and aftermarket support services focusing on the defense, homeland security, and commercial aviation markets. With facilities throughout the U.S., Twenty-Six Defense is dedicated to supporting those who contribute to the national security of the United States. Twenty-Six Defense is wholly owned by Elbit Systems Ltd. (NASDAQ: ESLT and TASE: ESLT), a global high-technology company engaged in a wide range of programs for innovative defense and commercial applications.

Summary Of Responsibilities

The Principal Contract Administrator is a mid-level position that operates under the direction of a Sr. Manager or Director of Contracts. This role is responsible for activities required to develop, negotiate, administer, and close out contracts and subcontracts for various products and services. The administrator supports the full lifecycle of contractual engagements—from proposal development through product/service delivery and final closeout—ensuring compliance with company policies, legal requirements, customer specifications, and applicable regulations.

• Proposal Development
• Support the creation, coordination, and submission of proposals in response to customer requirements.
• Ensure proposals align with company policy, commercial standards, and regulatory guidance.
• Apply judgment to interpret customer requirements and identify potential contractual risks during proposal preparation.
• Contract Negotiation
• Participate in negotiations with customers and subcontractors.
• Provide interpretation and clarification of contract terms and conditions.
• Protect company interests while maintaining positive customer relationships.
• Identify areas requiring negotiation escalation and recommend alternative approaches based on risk assessment.
• Contract Administration
• Manage and maintain active contracts or subcontracts throughout their lifecycle.
• Monitor performance against contract requirements and obligations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely fulfillment of deliverables.
• Independently resolve contract-related issues by analyzing root causes and coordinating corrective actions.
• Customer Contact & Communication
• Serve as a primary point of contact for contract-related communications.
• Support customer engagement throughout execution, modification, and closeout activities.
• Explain complex contractual concepts clearly to both internal stakeholders and customers.
• Compliance & Performance Monitoring
• Interpret contract terms and conditions and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Track obligations, deadlines, and deliverables to ensure proper contract fulfillment.
• Identify and elevate potential performance, compliance, or risk issues.
• Recommend mitigation actions and process improvements when recurring issues are identified.
• Contract Closeout
• Ensure all administrative, financial, and compliance elements are finalized at contract completion.
• Coordinate closeout documentation and reconciliation activities.
• Identify lessons learned and propose updates to templates or processes as appropriate.

Knowledge (Education/License/Certification, Prior Experience)

• A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration is preferred (Additional 4 years of experience can substitute).
• 6+ years related experience including 2-3 years of international contracts negotiation and administration.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for customer interactions and internal coordination.
• Ability to analyze and interpret complex contract terms, conditions, and regulatory requirements.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills to track obligations, deadlines, and documentation.
• Ability to participate in negotiations and communicate company positions clearly.
• Proficiency in preparing and reviewing proposals, modifications, and compliance documents.
• Ability to identify risk areas, recommend mitigation actions, and elevate issues appropriately.
• Competence in managing multiple contracts simultaneously with minimal supervision.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (program management, legal, finance, engineering, supply chain).
• Strong problem-solving abilities to support resolution of contract performance and compliance issues.
• Ability to maintain positive customer relationships and represent the company professionally.
• Proficiency with MS Office and familiarity with contract management tools or ERP systems.
• Ability to uphold ethical standards and ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and company policies.

Travel/Physical Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required for training or periodic onsite meetings; otherwise, travel is minimal.
• Role involves primarily sedentary work in an office or workstation environment, including extended periods of computer use.

Here Are Some Of The Great Benefits We Offer

• Most locations offer a 9/80 schedule, providing every other Friday off
• Competitive compensation & 401(k) program to plan for your future
• Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage with qualified wellness discounts
• Basic Life Insurance and Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available
• Flexible Vacation & PTO
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous Employee Referral Program
• Voluntary Benefits Available: Longer Term Care, Legal, Identity Theft, Pet Insurance, and more
• Voluntary Tricare Supplement available for military retirees

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not an employment contract. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Twenty-Six Defense is an equal opportunity employer as to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.