Senior Contracts Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

In this role, you manage a portfolio of government contracts by overseeing contract review, negotiation, and lifecycle administration. You work independently and collaboratively to ensure compliance with federal procurement regulations, assess contractual risk, support internal teams, and maintain accurate and audit‑ready documentation throughout contract execution.

Responsibilities

• Supports cradle‑to‑grave contract administration, including preparing, reviewing, and negotiating non‑disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and subcontracts.
• Reviews, redlines, and negotiates contracts and purchase orders, ensuring compliance with terms and conditions and preparing flow‑down clauses.
• Analyzes requests for proposals (RFPs), solicitations, cost volumes, and contract volumes for compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) regulations.
• Maintains comprehensive contract files for audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters with government contracting officers, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensures adherence to contractual terms, FAR, DFARS, export control requirements, deliverables, and compliance obligations throughout contract execution.
• Collaborates with internal teams to ensure contractual and regulatory compliance.
• Participates in cost and pricing reviews to support compliance with regulations and company policies.
• Monitors contract performance and compliance, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Stays current on regulatory changes and participates in training related to contracts and compliance.
• Works with program management, accounting, and supply chain teams to meet contract deliverables and reporting requirements.
• Coordinates with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with contract terms and deliverables.
• Educates internal teams on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.

Required Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in contract administration, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and contract types including firm‑fixed‑price (FFP), time‑and‑materials (T&M), cost‑plus‑fixed‑fee (CPFF), cost‑plus‑award‑fee (CPAF), cost‑plus‑incentive‑fee (CPIF), and other transaction agreements (OTAs).
• Experience negotiating FFP and CPFF contracts, cost accounting standards (CAS)‑covered contracts, and compliance with the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act.
• Knowledge of export control requirements including International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat.
• Strong contract drafting, redlining, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple contracts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, law, or a related field, or at least 12 years of direct federal procurement or acquisition experience.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working with major DoD agencies and prime contractors.
• Contract experience in space, missile defense, or hypersonic programs.
• Secret or higher clearance.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.