Senior Contracts Lead – Space Systems & Defense

Socket.dev; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity-Based Compensation

401(k) retirement plan with company-m"

Generous PTO

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Holiday and winter break

Job summary

Space Kinetic is hiring a Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of government and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and optimizing performance. The role requires deep knowledge of defense contracting, strong negotiation skills, and collaboration across legal, proposal, accounting, and engineering teams.

The position is based at Space Kinetic's El Segundo, CA headquarters with hybrid options.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• 5+ years contracts/subcontract/supply chain experience, preferably in aerospace/defense/tech manufacturing.
• Proven track record negotiating and managing complex subcontract agreements.
• Deep understanding of subcontracting principles including SOW development, pricing, risk allocation.
• Familiarity with regulations ITAR, DFARS, FAR, and export controls.
• Excellent communication and collaboration across technical, operations and business teams.
• Results-driven with pragmatic, hands-on approach in a startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee full contract lifecycle for government and commercial contracts.
• Provide contract support: negotiation, compliance, management, modifications, close-out.
• Prepare contract planning, reporting, and briefs for program managers and executives.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations and company policies.
• Develop and implement new contract policies and processes.
• Maintain comprehensive contract documentation and records.
• Advise on FAR/DFARS requirements and regulatory considerations.
• Build and sustain relationships with customers and stakeholders.
• Support proposals and coordination with legal and accounting teams.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field

Tools

DFARS

FAR

Export controls

Job description

Space Kinetic is hiring a Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of government and commercial contracts, ensuring compliance, minimizing risk, and optimizing performance. The role requires deep knowledge of defense contracting, strong negotiation skills, and collaboration across legal, proposal, accounting, and engineering teams.

The position is based at Space Kinetic's El Segundo, CA headquarters with hybrid options.