Job Description
Job Description
SUMMARY
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Sr. Contracts Administrator IV to manage a portfolio of government contracts and support the Huntington Beach Business office by leading contract matters for their portfolio for the entire contract lifecycle. This individual will work in a team-based culture focused on innovation and customer satisfaction. Reports to the Director of Contracts. This position will be hybrid in our Huntington Beach office (2-3 days a week) – although consideration will be given to exceptional remote candidates. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. This role requires a good working knowledge in DoD contracts, FAR/DFARS compliance, contract negotiations, and lifecycle contract management.
About Us:
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- General Responsibilities
- With limited direction, supports cradle-to-grave contract administration, including the preparation, review, and negotiation of contracts, pricing, subcontracts, and a broad range of agreements such as non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), teaming agreements, licenses, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
- Responsible for proposal review, contract preparation, negotiation, redline and administration of customer contracts, including verifying export classification and foreign restrictions, customer interface to provide for contract award and fulfillment in accordance with company policy.
- Strong working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and various contract types (e.g., FFP, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, and OTAs). Including experience with FFP contract negotiations, CAS-covered contracts, and negotiations involving the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (formerly TINA).
- Reviews, interprets, recommends, and negotiates contractual terms and conditions and interprets established policies, procedures, and standard practices to develop proactive plans to ensure contract activities achieve desired objectives and timetables.
- Leads or supports the negotiation and modification of standard and non-standard contracts, ensuring alignment with company objectives and risk tolerance.
- Create and maintain relationships with customers and represents the organization as the primary administrative contact on assigned contracts.
- Solve any contract-related problems that may arise with other parties, customers, and suppliers
- Provides strategic guidance to management on contractual rights, obligations, and risk exposure, including interpretation of complex terms and conditions.
- Participates in cost and pricing discussions with internal program teams and external customer representatives to support proposal development and contract execution.
- Monitors and analyzes regulatory and compliance developments, including export control requirements, to assess and communicate their impact on existing and future contracts.
- Audit proposal products to ensure fully compliant proposals
- Working knowledge of export control requirements such as ITAR and EAR compliance.
- May oversee and manage junior staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Finance, Law or related field, or comparable direct experience in federal procurement/acquisition (government or contractor side).
- 5-8+ years of experience in contract administration, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry. Demonstrated ability to communicate with multiple stakeholders and increase shareholder value in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in contract principles, theories, and regulations, with a strong track record of applying these concepts across a wide range of contract types, practices, and industry standards.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working on contracts with major DoD agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) and prime contractors.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential as is the ability to travel as required.
- A great attitude and a willingness to continue learning.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident due to government contract requirements. Preferred Secret or Higher Clearance (or clearable).