Sr. Analyst, Contracts

AAR; Wood Dale (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus package

Medical/dental/vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

AAR in Wood Dale, IL is seeking a Senior Contracts Analyst to manage the full contract lifecycle, from solicitation through close-out, interfacing with the Defense Logistics Agency and other government customers. You will lead negotiations on price/cost analysis, review solicitations in DIBBS, ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, and maintain organized contract records within our ERP system (IFS).

This role requires 3–5 years of federal contracting experience, strong communication, and

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent education/experience.
• 3–5 years federal contract administration.
• Advanced knowledge of FAR/DFARS.
• Experience with IFS ERP.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyze solicitations and prepare contract awards for government customers.
• Lead price/cost analysis andCommercial Item Determinations negotiations.
• Respond to and resolve customer issues and concerns.
• Maintain contract records and documents for performance and compliance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and escalate risks and opportunities.

Skills

Federal contract administration

Negotiation

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BA/BS or equivalent education

Tools

IFS ERP

MS Office

Job description

The Senior Contracts Analyst manages and administers the full contract life cycle, from solicitation through contract close-out. Responsibilities include solicitation review, proposal preparation and submission, negotiation with government customers, and post-award administration. The Senior Contracts Analyst will interface directly with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and other customers to achieve business objectives and advance customer satisfaction.

This position is based at our Corporate Headquarters in Wood Dale, IL, with a planned relocation to the Merchandise Mart (Chicago) in early 2027.

What You Need To Be Successful In The Role

• Independently analyze and respond to solicitations and contract awards for products issued through DLA’s Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) and other procurement platforms
• Lead negotiation on price/cost analysis, commercial item determinations, and contract exceptions with the Government customer.
• Respond to and independently resolve customer issues and concerns.
• Manage workflow and contracts within AAR’s ERP system (IFS).
• Prepare and administer routine correspondence, negotiation memoranda, and contract documentation to ensure timely and coordinated submission.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external customers.
• Identify, communicate, and elevate risks and opportunities to business leadership.
• Ensure compliance with federal regulations and internal company standards.
• Maintain organized contract records and files documenting contract performance and compliance.
• Serve as a focal point for communication with cross-functional teams.
• Identify and implement opportunities for process improvement.
• Provide training and guidance to members of the contracts team and broader business division.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

What You Need To Be Successful In This Role

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from a four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in federal contract administration (experience as a Prime Contractor or Contracting Officer preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other regulations relevant to federal contracting.
• Demonstrated experience managing T, U, Q, and R type solicitations and contracts.
• Strong understanding of FAR Part 15 concepts and federal contracting principles.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience managing contracts within an ERP system (IFS experience a plus).
• Proven experience leading negotiations on Commercial Item Determinations, pricing/cost analysis, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with all levels of employees and management.
• Consistent experience in proposal preparation, contract review, and negotiation

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary:

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

Compensation

The anticipated salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 annually. This range reflects the base salary for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location. [In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for a bonus.] AAR offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holiday pay, as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Primary Location

United States-Illinois-Wood Dale

Schedule

Full-time

Overtime Status

Exempt

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.