Senior Contracts Administrator

Karman Space & Defense; Mukilteo (WA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Company Paid Life Insurance

401(k) Retirement Savings Plan

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Karman Space & Defense in Mukilteo is seeking a Senior Contracts Administrator to manage a portfolio of government contracts. The successful candidate will engage in contract negotiation and administration, requiring expertise in FAR/DFARS and federal procurement regulations.

This role demands over ten years of experience in contract administration, particularly in the aerospace and defense sector. Join us in a collaborative environment dedicated to pushing the boundaries of possibility.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in contract administration, especially in aerospace and defense.
• Strong knowledge of federal procurement regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of government contracts.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Ensure compliance with FAR and other regulations.

Skills

Contract negotiations

FAR/DFARS compliance

Lifecycle contract management

Risk assessment

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or Law

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Summary

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Contracts Administrator to manage a portfolio of government contracts. This position will be in the Mukilteo office. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. This role requires a good working knowledge of DoD contracts, FAR/DFARS compliance, contract negotiations, and lifecycle contract management. The Contracts Administrator will be responsible for the review, negotiation, and administration of various agreements. The successful candidate must have a good understanding of federal procurement regulations, the ability to assess contractual risks, and the capability to develop solutions that align with company objectives.

About Us

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission‑critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission‑critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement*

What You Will Do

• Support cradle‑to‑grave administration of contracts, including the preparation, review, and negotiation of non‑disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and subcontracts.
• Review, redline and negotiate contracts and purchase orders, ensure compliance with terms and conditions, and prepare appropriate flow‑down clauses.
• Analyze RFPs, solicitations, cost volumes, and contract volumes for compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, and DoD procurement regulations.
• Maintain comprehensive contract files for audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract‑related matters, interacting with government contracting officers, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to contractual terms, the FAR, DFARs, Export control, deliverables, and compliance requirements throughout contract execution.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and government regulations.
• Participate in cost and pricing reviews to ensure alignment with regulations and company policies.
• Monitor contract performance and compliance, identifying and mitigating risks as needed.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and participate in ongoing training programs related to contracts and compliance
• Work closely with program management, accounting, and supply chain teams to meet contract deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Serve as a point of contact for customers on routine contract matters.
• Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with contract terms and deliverables.
• Educate and advise internal teams on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.

What We Are Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in contract administration, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Strong working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and various contract types (e.g., FFP, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, and OTAs).
• Experience with FFP & CPFF contract negotiations, CAS‑covered contracts, and negotiations involving the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (formerly TINA), including certified cost or pricing data submissions and compliance.
• Higher level knowledge of export control requirements such as ITAR and EAR compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong contract drafting, redlining, and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing multiple contracts.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field, OR 12+ years of direct experience in federal procurement/acquisition (government or contractor side).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience working on contracts with major DoD agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) and prime contractors.
• Contract experience in space, missile defense, or hypersonic programs.
• Secret or Higher Clearance

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.