Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

Location: On-Site - Dayton

At Parallax, we believe in advancing science and serving the public good—and we're looking for team members who do too. If you're ready to support big ideas through precise execution, we encourage you to apply.

Why This Role Matters

At Parallax Advanced Research, our work is rooted in innovation, collaboration, and national impact. As a nonprofit research institute, we partner with government, academic, and industry clients to solve complex challenges in AI, aerospace, human-machine teaming, and beyond. Parallax Advanced Research Mission is to deliver innovative research and provide technology, human and business solutions via The Science of Intelligent Teaming™ for government, industry and academic clients. Parallax uses agile software development methods to deliver customized research and development software products in support of Air Force and other service missions.

The Contracts Manager serves as a senior technical resource for complex contractual matters, develops and implements contracting policies and best practices, mentors and develops Contracts personnel, and partners with Program Management, Business Development, Finance, Legal, Security, and executive leadership to reduce organizational risk and support strategic growth. In addition, is responsible for leading and overseeing the organization's post-award contract administration, purchasing operations, procurement compliance, and contract lifecycle management while improving customer service, operational efficiency, and organizational compliance.

In This Role, You Will:

• Lead purchasing and procurement operations in accordance with company policies, the Authorization Matrix, and applicable regulations.
• Review and approve purchase requisitions, purchase orders, justifications, price analyses, and procurement documentation for quality and compliance.
• Lead administration of complex government contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, OTAs, CRADAs, commercial agreements, and subcontracts.
• Independently negotiate contract terms and conditions with customers and subcontractors.
• Interpret FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and financial assistance regulations.
• Advise executive leadership and Program Managers regarding contractual obligations, risks, and opportunities.
• Lead contractual strategy for proposals and capture efforts.
• Provide day-to-day working leadership and technical guidance to Contracts personnel.
• Mentor and develop staff through coaching and cross-training.
• Develop and maintain contracting policies, SOPs, templates, and training.
• Lead internal compliance initiatives and contract file audits.
• Support DCMA, DCAA, CMMC, customer, and internal audits.

Required Skills and Qualifications

-US Citizenship is required

-Active S or TS/SCI Clearance Preferred - must be clearance eligible and remain clearance eligible as a condition of employment

-Bachelor's degree in business or related field with 6-10 years of contracts experience.

-In-Depth knowledge of the FAR, Defense Acquisition Regulations System (DFARS), and other agency supplements.

-In-Depth knowledge of 2 CFR 200, "Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards."

-General knowledge of Financial Assistance Mechanisms such as Grants, Cooperative Agreements, and other Cooperative Research & Development Agreements.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

-Master's degree in business or Related Field.

-Experience with Deltek Cost Point

-Experience with Research and Development (R&D) contracts.

-A Professional Certification, such as National Contract Management Association (NCMA) CPCM, CFCM, or CCCM.

-Experience working with non-profit organizations.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Sitting & Posture – Ability to sit for long periods with good posture.
• Manual Dexterity – Use of a keyboard, mouse, and office equipment.
• Vision & Reading – Clear vision (corrected if needed) for screens and documents.
• Hearing & Communication – Ability to hear and speak clearly for calls and meetings.
• Mobility – Walking short distances, occasional reaching, bending, or lifting light objects.
• Cognitive Ability – Focus, problem-solving, and multitasking skill

Travel requirements/percentage: 10%

Parallax Advanced Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Why Join Parallax? We offer a workplace that values both personal well-being and professional growth, along with a robust benefits package:

• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Insurance: 100% employer-paid life, short- and long-term disability
• Retirement: Roth or pre-tax 401(k) with company match + annual employer contribution
• Education: Up to $20k tuition coverage for employees and support for dependents
• Time Off: 25 days of PTO, flex holidays, paid parental leave, and military leave
• Work-Life Balance: PTO sell-back program and hybrid flexibility for select positions

At Parallax, we believe in advancing science and serving the public good—and we're looking for team members who do too. If you're ready to support big ideas through precise execution, we encourage you to apply.