Senior Contracts Systems Engineer

SAIC; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SAIC in Chantilly, VA is seeking a Senior Contracts Systems Engineer to serve as a trusted advisor on government programs. The role supports acquisition planning, contract administration, and compliance across the Inner Harbor contract in a fast-paced DoD environment.

You will oversee pre-award documentation, participate in negotiations, and ensure timely deliverables while interfacing with program management, legal, and budget teams. The role is on-site in a dynamic national defense setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelors with 14+ years or Masters with 12+ years of experience in contracts or programs.
• Experience with DoD/IC contracting and source selections.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and contract administration processes.
• Ability to develop and negotiate complex contract actions and documents.

Responsibilities

• Function as a trusted acquisition advisor to Government and Program staff.
• Lead preparation of complete contract packages including requirements validation and acquisition strategy alignment.
• Develop and maintain pre-award documents and source selection plans.
• Support execution of contracts and modifications, ensuring accurate clauses and pricing.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Government contracting

DoD contracting

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Negotiation

Cost/price analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree + 14+ years

Master's degree +12+ years

Tools

EPX Studio

Job description

Join a mission driven satellite program at the forefront of national defense innovation. Our team is developing cutting edge technologies that directly support critical Department of War priorities, combining both proven and first-of-their-kind capabilities that have never been applied in space. Operating within a fast-paced acquisition environment, we benefit from streamlined authorities and direct access to senior Government decisionmakers, enabling us to move quickly and execute aggressive schedules using the most innovative contracting strategies available.

Job Description

This position is for a Senior Contracts Systems Engineer in Chantilly, VA supporting cutting-edge and innovative space programs. The Senior Contracts Systems Engineer serves as a key partner to Government program leadership providing acquisition, contract administration, and compliance support for the Inner Harbor contract. This role supports contract actions from planning through closeout and requires strong independent judgment and experience supporting complex federal acquisitions. The position is integrated into the Government-led Program Office team requiring full-time on-site work.

Job Responsibilities

• Function as a trusted acquisition advisor to Government and Program staff.
• Lead preparation of complete contract packages including requirements validation, funding documentation coordination, and acquisition strategy alignment.
• Develop, coordinate, and maintain pre-award documents such as Acquisition Plans, Justification & Approvals, Source Selection Plans, and RFP packages.
• Support execution of contract awards and modifications, ensuring accuracy of clauses, pricing structures, schedules, and deliverables.
• Conduct detailed cost/price analysis, evaluate proposals, support development of negotiation positions, and participate in negotiation discussions.
• Oversee post award contract administration including invoice review, discrepancy resolution, schedule monitoring, and performance compliance.
• Maintain comprehensive contract documentation, track contract actions, and ensure timely processing of contractual deliverables.
• Interface with program management, budget, technical teams, and legal to ensure aligned and compliant contract execution.
• Monitor changes in acquisition policy and ensure contract actions remain compliant with the FAR and DFARS.
• Develop, prepare, and present contract related reports, status briefings, and decision packages to senior leadership.
• Oversee project cost control activities, including actual cost analysis, variance reporting, trend identification, and performance assessments.

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, leadership, team building and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to be effective in a government/contractor team environment.
• Experience with Intelligence Community or DoD contracting.
• Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, and EPX Studio.
• Experience with source selections and contract negotiations.
• Experience in Space Launch contracting, including mission unique requirements, launch services procurement, or support to launch enterprise acquisition activities.
• Ability to work in a very dynamic environment and effectively interact with numerous DOD, military/civilian personnel and industry partners.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience of senior decision makers with varying levels of programmatic and technical expertise.
• Effective communication, coordination, and customer engagement skills.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, dynamic, and team environment with no supervision.
• TS/SCI required .
• Previous SAP experience desired.