VP, Government Contracts

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

The Government contracts group at Viasat specializes in conducting proposal preparation, negotiation, pre-contract data collection, and administration of government contracts. Analyzes estimates of material, equipment, and production costs. Reviews contractual documents to ensure adherence to firm policy, government specifications, and master agreements requirements. This role would oversee a team of senior contract professionals.

The day-to-day

• Contract Administration: Directly manage teams of contract managers conducting the preparation, negotiation, acceptance, and management of government contracts and subcontracts.
• Compliance & Review: Reviews and approves all contractual documents for protection of company's contractual posture, satisfaction of government specifications and requirements, and adherence to company policy.
• Advisory: Advises management of contractual rights and obligations and provides interpretation of terms and conditions.
• Personnel Management: Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
• Job Complexity: Identifies and evaluates fundamental issues, providing strategy and direction for functional or technical areas. Takes responsibility for the performance and outcomes of one or more functions, operates at the highest level of autonomy, and may significantly influence the industry narrative.
• Communication: Communicates organizational vision and goals globally, shaping industry narratives. Represents the organization with authority and clarity at a global scale.
• Scope: Participates in strategy development and partners with other leaders to execute upon strategic plans and objectives. Often makes final decisions on technical or operational matters and ensures achievement of objectives.
• Leadership / Influence: Demonstrates a high level of competency in core areas of management by translating operational or technical goals into subordinate managers' business objectives. Mentors top emerging leaders within the organization, shaping company direction. Maintains a track record of followership and leads activities of one or more functional areas through subordinate directors/managers.

What you'll need

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Law, Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 20-25+ years of progressively responsible experience as a director of contract management functions, with a heavy focus on U.S. Government (DoD) contracts, as well as international contracting.
• Regulatory Expertise: Master-level knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Strategic Leadership: Proven track record of managing large-scale, complex contract structures including Fixed-Price (FFP), Cost-Plus (CPFF), and Time & Materials (T&M).
• Compliance & Reform: Deep understanding of the 2026 defense acquisition reforms, including "Best Value" selection criteria and new digital inventory requirements for weapon-system technical data.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing program financials and cost-accounting standards, including familiarity with the updated CAS coverage thresholds.
• Security: Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

What will help you on the job

• Advanced Degree: Juris Doctor (JD) or MBA with a focus on Government Procurement Law.
• Certifications: Professional certification such as Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) from the NCMA.
• Industry Background: Direct experience in the Aerospace, Satellite Communications, or Defense Technology sectors.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with digital contract management platforms and AI-driven tools for tracking technical data and contract notations as required by the 2026 SPEED Act.
• Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated success in high-stakes negotiations with the Department of Defense (DoD) and major prime contractors.
• Global Operations: Experience with international sovereign sales and international product support and "contested logistics" environments as defined in recent National Defense Authorization Acts.
• Reorganization Efforts: Experience with reorganizing, integrating, and transforming businesses to drive operational efficiency and performance.

Salary range

$195,000.00 - $308,500.00 / annually.
For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $243,000.00- $364,000.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.