Senior Space Contracts Manager II – Govt & Commercial

Rocket Lab Corporation; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

Cash incentives

ESPP

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Sick leave

Parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Contracts Manager to lead contract administration for U.S. Government and commercial programs.

You will negotiate, interpret, and manage complex contracts, ensuring compliance and timely performance while collaborating with program teams and leadership. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in space/aerospace contracting, with Top Secret/SCI eligibility and familiarity with ITAR considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of contract administration/management experience in Space/A&D industries.
• Extensive knowledge of Government contracts, OTAs, FAR/DFARS.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms and conditions; DoD prime contracts/subcontracts.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and administer government and commercial contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, teaming agreements, and IP licenses.
• Review contract provisions and types; advise internal stakeholders.
• Manage contract terms, changes, disputes, or equitable adjustments during performance.
• Support proposals, RFIs, and bid preparation; maintain contract files.
• Maintain relationships with Government and other customers; assist AR with invoices and payments.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Contract administration

Government contracts

DFARS / FAR knowledge

RFP analysis

Top Secret/SCI clearance

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

DocuSign

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Optical Systems division in Chantilly, VA seeks a Senior Contracts Manager to lead contract administration for U.S. Government and commercial programs.

You will negotiate, interpret, and manage complex contracts, ensuring compliance and timely performance while collaborating with program teams and leadership. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in space/aerospace contracting, with Top Secret/SCI eligibility and familiarity with ITAR considerations.