Senior Contracts & Subcontracts 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 include drafting, reviewing, and negotiating 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. The role also involves maintaining accurate and complete contract files, monitoring contract performance, funding levels, and periods of performance, proactively identifying issues and preparing and executing contract closeout packages. The Principal Contracts Manager acts as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers, auditors, and other external stakeholders on all contract-related matters.

Essential skills include at least 10 years of experience in contracts within the Department of Defense (DoD) environment, managing the full contract lifecycle from proposal through closeout, hands-on contract execution experience, working with FAR/DFARS and associated requirements, and experience working with contracts for both prime contractors and subcontractors. Additional skills and qualifications include a master's degree, contracts experience with organizations that design or manufacture physical products, demonstrated experience managing pricing strategies, proposal development, and cost analysis across multiple contract types, advanced degree or National Contract Management Association (NCMA) certification, experience in a small-business or mid-tier DoD contractor environment, leadership or mentorship experience, experience supporting CPSR audits or audit readiness efforts, familiarity with space, directed energy, or advanced technology programs, strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously, and ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented 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.