Senior Contract Manager

IF1139 GE Aviation Systems LLC; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GE Aerospace in Grand Rapids, MI seeks a Senior Contracts Manager (Military Programs) to manage contracts across the DoD and government customers. You will oversee end-to-end lifecycle, shaping strategy, and guiding negotiations in complex development and production environments.

The role requires 7+ years in government or international contracting, deep FAR/DFARS knowledge, and strong cross-functional collaboration with Legal and programs teams. Remote options may apply; travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Minimum 7 years in government, commercial, or international contract formation.
• Expertise with FAR, DFARS, and DoD contracting.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end contract lifecycle from solicitation to close-out.
• Shape contracting strategy with leadership.
• Identify and mitigate risks across programs.
• Support proposal development and deal shaping.
• Lead and coach negotiations with DoD customers and suppliers.
• Collaborate with Legal and cross-functional teams.
• Drive process improvements and ensure compliance.

Skills

FAR/DFARS

Negotiation

Risk mgmt

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Job Description Summary

Job Description Job Title Senior Contracts Manager (Military Programs) Company Intro/About GE Aerospace GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military customers. We bring deep engineering and operational expertise to help customers execute critical missions, with a clear focus on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost and an unwavering commitment to integrity.

Site, Business, OR Functional Area Overview

The Military Contracts team is a trusted, proactive business partner to GE Aerospace product lines. Contracts is often the “face of GE” to U.S. Government acquisition customers and airframer procurement organizations, supporting programs across the full lifecycle from proposal strategy through development, production, and sustainment. The team provides expertise in regulatory compliance, negotiation strategy, contract terms, risk identification/mitigation, scope management, and customer relationships, enabling business deals that meet both GE and customer expectations.

Role Overview

The Senior Contracts Manager is responsible for managing assigned contracts and providing contracting solutions that support department and business goals. This role supports U.S. Government contracting activity (prime or subcontract) across a range of contract types, including complex development efforts, within both Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursement environments as defined by the FAR and DFARS. This position requires strong independent judgment and experience to execute in areas where scope may be less defined, while influencing both short- and long-term business outcomes through sound contracting strategy, disciplined execution, and risk-based decision making.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Contract Lifecycle Ownership: Manage responsibilities from solicitation receipt through contract formation, administration, and close-out. Ensure disciplined execution and documentation throughout the lifecycle.
• Business & Contracting Strategy: Partner with leadership to shape business and contracting strategy and drive flawless execution of contract formation, administration, and close-out activities.
• Risk Management & Compliance: Assess solicitations and contractual terms to identify business, performance, and compliance risks; develop and drive mitigation strategies. Remain steadfast in supporting compliance programs without compromise.
• Proposal Support & Deal Shaping: Support proposal development through compliant, competitive deal strategies. Help shape win strategies while maintaining clear alignment to contracting requirements and program objectives.
• Negotiation Leadership & Coaching: Develop negotiation strategies and provide guidance to team members preparing for discussions with DoD customers, higher-tier contractors, and other agencies. Lead and/or support negotiations on complex terms, scope, and risk.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Educate internal stakeholders on contract requirements, rights, obligations, and risk posture. Collaborate closely with Legal Counsel and cross-functional partners to align contract execution plans with business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Leverage lean mindset, digital tools, and rigorous contracting practices to improve efficiency, quality of execution, and internal/external customer satisfaction.
• Independent Execution & Customer Support: Operate with confidence and autonomy, balancing internal customer needs with contractual and regulatory requirements. Support both internal and external customers with timely, accurate contracting guidance.

Travel

Travel as required based on program/customer needs.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college.
• Experience: At least 7 years of experience in government, commercial, or international contract formation and execution.
• Regulatory & Contracting Expertise: Solid domain expertise in commercial terms and conditions and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), with emphasis on FAR Part 12 (Acquisition of Commercial Items) and FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation), as well as the DoD FAR Supplement (DFARS).
• Contract Types: Proficiency managing multiple contract types, including complex development efforts, across Firm Fixed Price and Cost Reimbursement contract structures.

Additional Information

Locations: Grand Rapids, MI & Cincinnati, OH preferred. Remote to be considered.

Desired Characteristics

• Extensive knowledge of contract formation and regulations; ability to anticipate, identify, and resolve complex contractual issues.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with internal and external customers.
• High-energy team player with the ability to manage multiple projects/assignments under tight deadlines.
• Embraces new ways of thinking and practices that increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Proactively removes obstacles for the team and learns from setbacks.
• Communicates and demonstrates a shared sense of purpose.

Closing

At GE Aerospace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and empowers employees to thrive.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, for applicants who are not asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents, or U.S. Citizens (i.e., not a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), otherwise known as a U.S. Person), final offers will be contingent on the ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation.

GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Relocation Assistance

Relocation Assistance Provided: No

Company Culture

At GE Aerospace, we invent the future of flight, lift people up, and bring them home safely. We are a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. At GE Aerospace, respect for people is core to our culture and commitment to FLIGHT DECK, our proprietary lean operating model. We attract, develop, and retain industry-leading talent from all backgrounds and cultivate communities where people are respected and empowered to reach their fullest potential. For the people of GE Aerospace, their work isn't just a job. It's their passion and purpose. We work and win as one team, accountable to each other and our customers, and we are always finding a better way to climb higher together. We were meant to fly.