Contracts Manager

Job Description The Contracts Manager position requires complex thinking skills, with a deep understanding of contract management processes and regulations as they pertain to complex aerospace projects. As the Contracts Manager, you will partner closely with cross‑functional teams—including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering—to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be essential in evaluating contract performance, managing relationships, and ensuring the execution of agreements that support business goals. The role involves developing bid, capture, and contract negotiation processes and documents, and ensuring efficient performance throughout the contract lifecycle, supporting amendments and interpretations as needed. Position Responsibilities Work closely with Operations, the Contracts team and other functions including Sales, Strategy and Marketing, Finance, and the Legal team on bid and proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract review and administration for new and sustaining products and services. Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle, including proposal review and preparation, leading pre‑ and post‑award negotiations, executing contract modifications, initiating contract close‑outs, and providing overall contract support to programs with complex, multi‑year contracts. Draft, evaluate, and negotiate various agreements such as NDAs, sales/purchase agreements, subcontracts, consulting agreements, license agreements, master agreements, and other contractual agreements (e.g., FAR‑based contracts, OTAs). Ensure that agreements/terms and conditions comply with all applicable regulations and company policies. Manage and monitor the performance of long‑term contracts and agreements; analyze obligations, commitments, and performance for internal stakeholders, and prepare risk reviews and recommendations. Coordinate flow‑downs of terms and conditions with all functional departments (program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain, manufacturing). Liaise with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit agencies; may lead internal and external audits. Oversee maintenance of accurate contract files, including originals, correspondences, changes, amendments, clarifications, and report preparation. Review uploaded contract data in business systems to ensure accuracy and completeness. Prepare reports and participate in status reviews. Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field (or equivalent education/training/experience). 6–8 years of experience in aerospace/defense/government contracting. Current U.S. Secret security clearance (Top Secret preferred). Expertise in Federal and international regulations and relevant legal concepts. Significant experience in DoD/Federal prime government contract administration/management. Ability to work autonomously with sound judgment and proactive risk management. Entrepreneurial focus in a dynamic, technically focused environment. Business acumen with innovative problem‑solving track record. Excellent communication skills – written, verbal, and presentation. Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills. FAR/DFAR and OTA knowledge; working knowledge of U.S. government acquisition laws. Experience with various contract types: firm fixed price, cost‑type, commercial/non‑commercial, production, development, sustainment. Experience with license, NDA, and teaming agreements. Knowledge of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements (e.g., FAR Part 15). Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) and advanced degree preferred. Contributor to continuous improvement of contract management processes. Strong emotional intelligence and judgment. Rapid evaluation of facts and recommendation of defensible paths forward. Works well with staff, managers, and external partners at all levels. Highly organized and professional. Critical thinking, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Process‑oriented, results and deadline‑driven. Familiarity with finance and accounting procedures. Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment. Strong initiative and drive to meet company objectives. Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills. Physical Demands Work in an office environment continuously. Required to sit and stand for long periods; frequent use of hands/fingers on computer and telephone. Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift up to 10 lbs.; hand and wrist dexterity needed. Travel to sites/programs and special functions may be required. Special Requirements U.S. Citizen required. Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally. SECRET clearance (Top Secret preferred) required. Salary Range $101,000 – $143,325 ITAR Requirement The position requires access to ITAR‑restricted information and compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Applicants must qualify as U.S. persons under ITAR and, if applicable, obtain necessary export licenses. U.S. citizenship is required for some contract requirements. Benefits Benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information, visit EEO Statement AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr