Sr Principal Contract Administrator

Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Senior Principal Contract Administrator based out of Linthicum, MD supporting the Mission Next (MNX) Division. This is an onsite position that offers the 9/80 work schedule.

What You’ll get to Do:

You will support the Advanced Systems and Technology Operating Unit in the Mission Next (MNX) Division, Emerging Capabilities Development (ECD) Business Unit, working closely with Program Management, Business Management, Legal, Global Supply Chain, and Engineering.

The selected candidate will be responsible for supporting proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration and customer contract activities to enable contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer requirements.

The primary responsibilities include administration of standard and nonstandard contracts through proposal preparation, contract negotiation, administration, and closeout by interfacing with all levels of management and customer counterparts.

The individual must be able to manage tight deadlines and meet high-performance expectations in a complex and dynamic contracting environment. Excellent communication skills and strong organizational and customer service skills are a must as the selected candidate will be directly involved in negotiations with the customer as a strategic team member. Ideal candidates are team players who can provide clear direction and guidance to customers and internal stakeholders with a passion for creative problem solving.

Our team is looking for engaged candidates who want to grow and support our critical business endeavors!

Key responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead contracts focal and primary customer interface for complex programs, establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders through clear written, virtual, and in‑person communication, and acting as a consultant to senior management and customers on significant contractual and business issues.
• Perform complex assignments independently with considerable latitude in determining objectives, strategies, and approaches, collaborating with cross‑functional teams (finance, supply chain, mission assurance, legal, pricing, compliance, and others) to balance contractual risk with business objectives.
• Lead end‑to‑end strategy and execution for complex solicitations and RFPs, including requirements analysis, proposal strategy and development, cross‑functional signoff coordination, and evaluation of estimates, performance requirements, and delivery schedules to ensure accuracy, completeness, compliance, and alignment with capture and business strategy.
• Analyze customer RFPs, SOWs, and terms and conditions to identify key risk areas (financial, schedule, technical, IP, warranty, remedies, termination, indemnification, export/ITAR, etc.) and lead proposal fact‑finding, negotiations, award activities, and the drafting/negotiation of a wide range of contractual instruments (NDAs, teaming agreements, modifications, and other nonstandard agreements).
• Manage post‑award contract administration for complex efforts, including modifications and change orders, claims and disputes, contract closeout, and timely, compliant delivery of contractual deliverables (e.g., CDRLs/SDRLs), invoices, and accurate contract data in company systems.
• Advise senior leadership on contractual rights, obligations, and risk posture; mentor and provide guidance to less-experienced contract administrators and drive process improvements and share best practices to support the development and effectiveness of the contracts function.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of contracts or closely related experience (e.g., contracts-related legal, supply chain, business) OR Master’s degree with 6 years of contracts or closely related experience
• 12 years of directly applicable experience in lieu of a degree
• Strong working knowledge of commercial and U.S. Government contracting, including experience with multiple contract types (e.g., FFP, CPFF, CPIF, T&M)
• Experience applying FAR/DFARS and associated Federal contracting regulations to contracts and negotiations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (excel, PowerPoint)
• U.S. citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP)

Preferred Qualifications

• Current/active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance
• Experience working on restricted and/or special access programs
• Prior experience leading large proposal preparation and complex contract negotiations
• Experience with Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and familiarity with other vehicles such as CRADAs, MOUs, and similar agreements
• Experience with Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) and Undefinitized Contract Actions (UCAs) or similar actions
• Experience establishing and administering Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) and firewall plans

What We Can Offer You –

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Primary Level Salary Range: $112,200.00 - $168,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.