Northrop Grumman

Principal Contract Administrator

Northrop Grumman$81K — $122K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Law, Engineering, or related field with 6+ years of government contracts management experience.
  • Experience in managing contracts on moderately complex programs or competitive captures.
  • Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, and DoD acquisition processes.
  • Proficient in drafting, redlining, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.
  • U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

  • Administers, negotiates, and terminates contracts.
  • Conducts proposal preparation and contract administration activities.
  • Partners with various departments to develop international deal structures.
  • Analyzes RFPs/RFQs for contractual and financial risks.
  • Drafts and reviews contract language and special provisions.
  • Manages requests for equitable adjustments and contract changes.
  • Delivers executive briefings on proposals and risk mitigation strategies.

Benefits

  • Relocation assistance may be available.
  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
  • Life and disability insurance options.
  • Savings plan offered.
  • Paid holidays and personal time off (PTO) provided.
Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

Job Description
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 - $122,000.00

The 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.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a security company that provides systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding, and technical services to government and commercial customers. They design, develop, and build everything from aircraft and spacecraft to cyber security systems. The company is involved in a wide range of defense and technology projects, including the development of aircraft, space systems, cybersecurity solutions, and advanced electronics.

Northrop Grumman Careers

Join the elite team at Northrop Grumman, a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products, and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, space, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. There has never been a more exciting time to advance your career with Northrop Grumman.

Work You’ll Do

At Northrop Grumman, your work will redefine the edges of technology and create a safer future. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work. Our team is at the forefront of innovation, collaborating to make the impossible, possible.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Whether you’re looking for an internship, an entry-level position, or a spot for seasoned professionals, Northrop Grumman offers a variety of career paths that encourage growth and development. Explore job opportunities that elevate your skills, and push your career to the next level.

Join Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are the foundations of our culture. Northrop Grumman is committed to building a diverse team that fosters an inclusive environment, where every team member is valued for their unique perspectives and contributions. We believe that diversity fuels innovation.

Professional Development and Benefits

Northrop Grumman is dedicated to your professional and personal growth. We offer unparalleled benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, generous time off, and family care resources. Additionally, we provide extensive leadership and diversity training to help you craft your career path.

Networking and Leadership

Enhance your career through our robust networking opportunities. Connect with leaders and peers within Northrop Grumman through various events, mentorship programs, and professional groups. Our leadership is deeply invested in nurturing talent and guiding team members through their career journey.

Innovation in Technology

Drive technological breakthroughs with a company at the cutting edge of innovation. Northrop Grumman is a place where you can work on projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.

How to Apply

Ready to join our team? Check out the open positions on our Careers page. Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Prepare for your interview with us by researching our projects and understanding our company’s mission and values.

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Northrop Grumman Jobs

Discover the impact you can make with a career at Northrop Grumman. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players. Search Northrop Grumman jobs today and find where your expertise is needed most. Join Northrop Grumman, and be part of a team that is dedicated to making a difference, not only within the company but in the world at large. Your journey to building a rewarding career starts here.
Learn more about Northrop Grumman
Size
88,000 employees
Market Cap
$82.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1939
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$36.7 billion
NASDAQ

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