Strategic Contracts Director — Federal & Compliance

TRIDENT SYSTEMS LLC; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Vision

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Holidays

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

Trident Systems in Fairfax, VA, is seeking a Senior Director of Contracts to lead the contracts function across the full lifecycle, reporting to the CFO.

This role requires deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contracting practices, with experience in aerospace/defense sectors. You will mentor staff and align with cross-functional teams to drive risk management and process improvements for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Contracts, Finance, Law, or equivalent.
• 15+ years of related experience or 13+ years with a graduate degree.
• Experience in government contracting and contracts management, preferably in aerospace/defense.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a contracts organization.
• Strong working knowledge of export compliance regulations, including ITAR.
• Extensive knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and federal contracting requirements.
• Experience negotiating and administering complex prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and contract modifications.
• Experience with multiple contract types (FFP, CPFF/CPAF, T&M, IDIQ, LOE).
• Ability to identify and mitigate contractual and business risks.
• Experience advising senior leadership on complex contractual matters.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop Trident’s Contracts organization with staffing and processes.
• Oversee full lifecycle of government and commercial contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and other instruments from proposal to closeout.
• Advise executive leadership on contractual strategy, risk, compliance, negotiations, and business decisions.
• Negotiate complex contracts with government customers, prime contractors, subcontractors, and partners.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other federal contracting requirements.
• Collaborate with BD, PM, Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to support opportunities and contract execution.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks including changes, claims, data rights, and IP.
• Oversee government contract vehicles (IDIQs, BPAs, GSA schedules).
• Support audits and regulatory inquiries; ensure contract compliance.
• Drive automation and standardization in contract management processes.

Skills

Contract management

Negotiation

Leadership

Federal contracting

Compliance

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Contracts, Finance, Law

Master's degree or JD

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

Trident Systems in Fairfax, VA, is seeking a Senior Director of Contracts to lead the contracts function across the full lifecycle, reporting to the CFO.

This role requires deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, and government contracting practices, with experience in aerospace/defense sectors. You will mentor staff and align with cross-functional teams to drive risk management and process improvements for growth.