Principal Contract Administrator

Description At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Job Description

Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history. [1]

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Principal Contracts Administrator (A03) to join our team in the MDC2/SCS Bus and RAD Division . This mid-career contracts position acts as a key strategic business advisor to program leadership, primarily focused on International Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) . The ideal candidate moves beyond standard administrative processing, using insight, analysis, and solution-oriented judgment to shape business deals and maximize program outcomes.

Essential Functions:

• Administers, extends, negotiates, and terminates standard and nonstandard contracts.
• Conducts proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment.
• Partnership with capture, program management, finance, legal, and supply chain to develop international deal structures and negotiation objectives.
• Reviews and analyzes RFPs/RFQs for contractual, financial, and performance risks, drafting recommended clarification questions.
• Drafts and reviews contract language, custom terms and conditions, and special provisions (e.g., IP/data rights, warranties, indemnities, limitation of liability).
• Formulates, processes, and manages requests for equitable adjustment (REAs), formal claims, and contract change management processes.
• Partners with estimating and finance to evaluate contract types (FFP, CPFF/CPIF/CPAF, T&M, IDIQ) and conduct intermediate cost/price analysis.
• Ensures strict compliance with FAR, DFARS , agency supplements, and export control regulations ( ITAR/EAR ).
• Prepares and delivers executive briefings to program management and senior leadership regarding proposals, negotiations, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Supports internal and external audits and reviews related to contracts and pricing frameworks.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Law, Engineering, or a related field with 6+ years of progressive defense/government contracts management experience (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Demonstrated experience managing or supporting contracts on moderately complex programs or competitive captures.
• Strong foundational knowledge of FAR, DFARS , and DoD acquisition processes.
• Strong drafting, redlining, and negotiation skills for contract terms and conditions.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Active U.S. Government Security Clearance.
• Familiarity with export controls, security requirements ( ITAR/EAR ), and socioeconomic contracting requirements.
• Professional contract certifications (e.g., NCMA CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or DAWIA equivalent defense contracting certifications.
• Basic awareness of program management concepts, including cost/schedule/performance and Earned Value Management (EVM).

Primary Level Salary Range: $81,400.00 - $122,000.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.