Contracts Manager

Senior Contracts Manager Defense & AerospaceKey Requirements

• Bachelors degree in Business, Law, Engineering, or a related field.

• 10+ years of contracts experience in Aerospace or Defense.

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing contracts.

• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, government contracts, pricing, and compliance.

Job Summary

The Senior Contracts Manager oversees government and commercial contracts for aerospace and defense programs. This role leads contract negotiations, manages risk, ensures compliance with government regulations, and protects the company's financial interests and intellectual property.

Responsibilities

• Lead negotiations for government and commercial contracts.

• Review contract terms, pricing, and compliance requirements.

• Advise leadership on contract risks and business impacts.

• Support proposal development, contract awards, and contract closeout activities.

• Work closely with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and Compliance teams.

• Manage contract modifications, change orders, and funding updates.

• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other government regulations.

• Support audits and government reviews, including DCAA and DCMA.

• Protect company intellectual property and technical data rights.

• Develop contract procedures, templates, and negotiation strategies.

• Resolve contractual issues and support claims, REAs, and corrective actions.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, government agencies, and legal counsel on contract matters.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Engineering, Contract Management, or a related field.

• 10+ years of contracts experience within the aerospace or defense industry.

• 5+ years of leadership experience managing contracts or contract teams.

• Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, TINA, and government contracting regulations.

• Experience negotiating complex prime contracts and subcontracts.

• Experience supporting DCAA audits and DCMA reviews.

• Knowledge of ITAR and export compliance requirements.

• Strong contract negotiation, risk assessment, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional contract management certifications (NCMA/CPCM).

• Experience with certified cost and pricing data.

• Experience working with aerospace engineering and technical data requirements.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity, CMMC, and CUI contract requirements.

• Experience managing relationships with outside legal counsel.

Top 4 Must-Have Skills

• 10+ years of Aerospace & Defense Contract Management experience

• Strong FAR and DFARS knowledge

• Contract Negotiation and Risk Management

• Experience with Government Contracts, DCAA/DCMA Audits, and Compliance

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Valencia, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $160000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

We offer a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, a generous 401(k) match, and participation in our company incentive program.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Valencia, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 28, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Valencia,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.