Job Description
The Senior Principal Contracts Administrator is a highly experienced, strategically minded contracts professional responsible for independently managing complex, high-value U.S. Government contracts across the aerospace and defense portfolio. This role provides expert guidance to executive leadership, program management, and cross-functional teams on all aspects of contract formation, negotiation, administration, compliance, and closeout. The Senior Principal Contracts Administrator serves as a trusted advisor, applying deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government contracting regulations to mitigate risk, ensure business system compliance, drive successful contract outcomes, and protect company interests. This role regularly interacts with senior internal and external stakeholders and is viewed as an expert practitioner within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead the full lifecycle of complex federal contracts, including competitive proposals, definitive agreements, IDIQs, OTAs, classified programs, and major modifications.
• Interpret, negotiate, and administer prime contracts, teaming agreements, and other contractual instruments, ensuring alignment with business strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Provide authoritative guidance on FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and government contracting regulations; advise leadership on policy updates and impacts.
• Assess proposal and contract risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support executive decision-making with clear, data-driven recommendations.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage contract changes including REAs, claims, equitable adjustments, and dispute resolution strategies.
• Ensure compliance with CPSR requirements and contractor business systems, including estimating, accounting, EVMS, purchasing, and property.
• Manage intellectual property, data rights, proprietary information, confidentiality agreements, and export compliance considerations.
• Serve as the primary customer interface with DoD, federal agencies, prime contractors, and other external stakeholders; maintain strong, trust-based relationships.
• Lead complex negotiations, including terms and conditions, pricing strategies, incentive structures, and major business agreements.
• Mentor and provide subject-matter guidance to junior contracts staff; contribute to the development of best practices, templates, and training materials.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Pricing, Program Management, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Engineering to support strategic business pursuits and ongoing program execution.
• Support internal and external audits, compliance reviews, and corrective action plans.
• Apply sound business judgment to evaluate contractual and regulatory risk, identify opportunities, and recommend strategic courses of action.
• Leverage AI tools and digital technologies to improve contract management efficiency, compliance tracking, and quality of contractual deliverables.
• Contribute to internal process improvement initiatives that strengthen governance, reduce cycle time, and enhance contractual outcomes.
Required Skills and Education
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Law, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in U.S. Government contracting within aerospace, defense, or similar regulated industries.
• Deep expertise in FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and government procurement regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-value contracts independently and with minimal supervision.
• Proven success in negotiation of major agreements, contract modifications, and dispute resolutions.
• Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen with ability to develop strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
• Excellent communication skills, including executive-level briefings and customer interaction.
Preferred Skills and Education
• Master's degree in Business, Law, Public Administration, or related field.
• NCMA certifications (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or equivalent.
• Experience with classified programs, special contracting authorities, or advanced defense technologies.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and export compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled contract tools and digital transformation initiatives.
