Principal Contracts Manager

Principal Contracts Manager

The Principal Contracts Manager leads the full lifecycle of contracts and subcontracts administration in support of complex Department of Defense programs within an aerospace and defense environment focused on space domain awareness, directed energy, and advanced AI/ML technologies. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS, effective risk management, and strong alignment between contractual obligations and program objectives. The Principal Contracts Manager serves as a key business partner to technical, finance, and program teams and acts as the primary interface with government contracting officers, auditors, and subcontractors.

Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate prime contracts, contract modifications, and task orders in accordance with FAR/DFARS requirements, ensuring terms and conditions align with the company's best interests, the contract type, and the scope of work.
• Maintain accurate and complete contract files, including deliverable schedules, funding documentation, and compliance records throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Monitor contract performance, funding levels, and periods of performance, proactively identifying issues and preparing and executing contract closeout packages.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers, auditors, and other external stakeholders on all contract-related matters.
• Develop, negotiate, and manage subcontracts and consulting agreements that support program objectives and comply with applicable regulations.
• Ensure proper flow-down of applicable FAR/DFARS clauses and internal compliance standards to subcontractors and consultants.
• Support Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) readiness by maintaining thorough documentation, reporting, and process discipline for procurement and subcontracting activities.
• Collaborate closely with finance, legal, program management, procurement, and technical teams to ensure unified compliance, operational efficiency, and alignment between contractual requirements and program execution.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to project and procurement teams on contract management, procurement processes, and compliance expectations.
• Act as a steward for risk management by identifying contractual risks, recommending mitigation strategies, and supporting audit readiness across contracts and subcontracts.
• Support pricing strategies, proposal development, and cost analysis activities across multiple contract types when applicable, ensuring compliance and competitive positioning.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of contracts and procurement processes, tools, and templates to enhance efficiency and consistency.

Essential Skills:

• At least 10 years of experience in contracts within the Department of Defense (DoD) environment.
• At least 10 years of experience managing the full contract lifecycle from proposal through closeout.
• At least 10 years of hands-on contract execution experience, including day-to-day administration and issue resolution.
• At least 10 years of experience working with FAR/DFARS and associated requirements.
• Experience working with contracts for both prime contractors and subcontractors.
• At least 5 years of procurement experience supporting DoD or defense-related programs.
• At least 2 years of experience with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements.
• At least 2 years of experience with firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Defense industry experience in contracts, procurement, contracts management, and contracts administration.
• Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and related regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contract and subcontract documents.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor funding, performance, and compliance and to prepare closeout documentation.
• Effective communication skills to serve as the primary point of contact with contracting officers, auditors, and internal stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams to ensure unified compliance and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrated capability to support CPSR readiness through rigorous documentation and reporting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Master's degree is highly desirable.
• Contracts experience with organizations that design or manufacture physical products.
• Demonstrated experience managing pricing strategies, proposal development, and cost analysis across multiple contract types, including Firm-Fixed-Price, Cost-Reimbursable, Time & Materials, and hybrid structures.
• Advanced degree or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certification is strongly preferred.
• Experience in a small-business or mid-tier DoD contractor environment is highly desirable.
• Leadership or mentorship experience, particularly in guiding contracts or procurement teams.
• Experience supporting CPSR audits or audit readiness efforts.
• Familiarity with space, directed energy, or advanced technology programs is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

Work Environment:

This is a full-time, on-site role based in either the Las Vegas, Nevada area or the Huntsville/Madison, Alabama area, with work performed from an office location five days per week. Standard hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., supporting dynamic aerospace and defense programs in space domain awareness, directed energy, and advanced AI/ML. The work environment is collaborative and supportive, emphasizing innovation, growth, creativity, and well-being. The dress code is casual, typically jeans and a polo, reflecting a professional yet relaxed atmosphere.

Employees have access to a comprehensive 100% paid benefits package, including a competitive compensation structure, 401(k) matching, robust medical, dental, and vision coverage, a Health Savings Account (HSA), life insurance, generous paid time off to support work-life balance, relocation assistance for qualified candidates, and tuition reimbursement for continued education and skill development. The culture encourages close cross-functional collaboration among contracts, procurement, finance, legal, and technical teams, providing opportunities to contribute directly to mission-critical national security programs.