Contracts Manager

Quantum-Systems is positioning itself to be a global leader in autonomous, AI powered aerial robotics. We have now stood up a wholly owned, and US operated business, Quantum-Systems Inc, in the United States. This business directly addresses the Defense and Security markets in North America. As a result of this expansion, we have a Contracts Manager opening for a well-qualified candidate.

The Contracts Manager will oversee and manage the full lifecycle of government and defense-related contracts while providing legal expertise in contract drafting, negotiation, interpretation, and regulatory compliance. This role is responsible for protecting the company's contractual and business interests, mitigating legal and financial risks, and ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws and regulations.

The Contracts Manager will work closely with Executive Leadership, Business Development, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, and external legal counsel to support contract negotiations, resolve contractual disputes, and establish effective contract management processes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong legal background, preferably with experience in aerospace, defense, government contracting, and corporate contract law.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full contract lifecycle, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, executing, administering, and closing out government, supplier, and customer agreements.
• Provide legal and contractual guidance to internal stakeholders regarding contract terms, obligations, liabilities, and regulatory requirements.
• Draft, review, and negotiate complex contractual agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Master Service Agreements (MSAs), supplier agreements, teaming agreements, licensing agreements, and government contracts.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual, legal, financial, and operational risks while protecting the company's business interests.
• Ensure compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and other applicable contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel on complex contractual matters, disputes, regulatory interpretations, and potential litigation.
• Support Business Development and Executive Leadership in contract negotiations, proposal development, bid reviews, and strategic business agreements.
• Review contractual terms and conditions to identify potential legal exposure, indemnification obligations, intellectual property considerations, limitations of liability, and termination provisions.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standardized contract templates, policies, procedures, and approval processes to ensure consistency and legal compliance.
• Monitor contractual obligations, deliverables, milestones, renewals, and expiration dates to ensure timely execution and compliance.
• Manage contract modifications, amendments, extensions, and change orders while ensuring proper documentation and authorization.
• Support the resolution of contractual disputes, claims, and compliance concerns through negotiations and coordination with legal counsel.
• Maintain accurate contract records and ensure appropriate document retention, confidentiality, and accessibility.
• Support internal and external audits involving contractual compliance, government regulations, and customer requirements.
• Provide guidance and training to internal departments regarding contractual obligations, legal risks, and company contracting procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Legal Studies, Contract Management, Finance, or a related field.
• 5–8 years of progressive experience in contract management, contract administration, or legal contract review, preferably within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or government contracting.
• Strong legal background with demonstrated experience drafting, reviewing, interpreting, and negotiating complex commercial and government contracts.
• Working knowledge of contract law, commercial transactions, contractual liability, indemnification, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution.
• Experience with government contracting regulations, including FAR and DFARS.
• Knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and other applicable regulatory compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to identify contractual risks, negotiate favorable terms, and provide practical business-oriented solutions.
• Experience collaborating with corporate attorneys, external legal counsel, executive leadership, and cross-functional business teams.
• Strong understanding of contract lifecycle management, document control, and contractual compliance processes.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, organizational, and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex contracts, competing priorities, and sensitive legal matters while maintaining strict confidentiality.