Principal Contracts Administrator with Security Clearance

The Ed Wallach Search Group; Concord (MA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ed Wallach Search Group in Concord, MA seeks a seasoned Principal Contracts Administrator to own the government and commercial contract portfolio. This senior role requires deep DoD contracting expertise, sophisticated negotiations, and regulatory compliance to support national security and advanced R&D programs.

You will lead proposals, negotiate terms, and guide contract performance from proposal through closeout, advising program managers and leadership on risk and strategy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years of experience managing complex government and DoD contracts.
• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTAs, data rights, and IP considerations.
• Experience developing and managing complex government contract cost proposals.
• Strong understanding of the government competitive proposal and acquisition process.
• Advanced Excel modeling skills and proficiency with MS Office.
• Proven ability to negotiate terms, manage risk, and protect organizational interests.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle contract management across government contracts, OTAs, and subcontracts.
• Develop and review complex government cost proposals with advanced Excel modeling.
• Negotiate contracts, modifications, and terms and conditions to protect interests.
• Draft and negotiate NDAs, Teaming Agreements, License Agreements, and other contracts.
• Guide program managers on contractual requirements, project structure, and performance.

Skills

DoD contracting

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Complex negotiations

Regulatory compliance

Excel modeling

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Business or related

Tools

Excel

MS Office

Job description

Location: Concord, MA 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.