Contract Specialist I

Paragon Space Development Corporation•Tucson, AZ

17h

About The Position

Detail-oriented and highly adaptable Contract Specialist I supporting a small business operating in a high-growth phase within the engineering and manufacturing sector. Operates with a high degree of responsibility and accountability while managing multiple contracts across varying stages of the lifecycle in a high-ops-tempo environment. Demonstrates the ability to quickly reprioritize, stop, and restart tasks in alignment with program office requirements and executive leadership direction without compromising compliance, schedule, or quality. Performs contract administration and coordination activities while receiving mentorship and technical guidance from the Senior Contract Specialist to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements, company policy, and strategic objectives. Effectively partners with program management, engineering, finance, supply chain, and leadership to ensure contractual alignment with technical, cost, and schedule objectives. Exercises sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making while appropriately elevating complex or high-risk matters. Thrives in dynamic environments requiring agility, cross-functional collaboration, and disciplined contract administration to support complex engineering and manufacturing deliverables during periods of rapid organizational growth. The Paragon Contract Specialist is responsible for administration of contracts of various types to support engineering services and programs. This position has a high degree of independence and will work under the general direction and review of the Contracts & Compliance Director.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Business/Global Leadership or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
2–3 years of experience in contract administration, procurement, or related functions in engineering, manufacturing, or technical environments
Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word (advanced formatting, bookmarks, tracked changes) and Excel (tracking, tables, basic formulas, pivot tables).
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple documents and contracts accurately in a non-automated contract management environment.
Ability to quickly understand contract language, scope, and obligations to support risk identification and workflow prioritization.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to clearly document and escalate issues to leadership or the Senior Contract Specialist.
Comfortable working in a high-ops-tempo environment with dynamic priorities, where tasks may be paused and restarted frequently.
Proficient in virtual collaboration tools, particularly Microsoft Teams, and able to communicate effectively with team members across multiple time zones.
Demonstrated professional judgment, discretion, and tact when collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and able to learn from mentorship to progressively take on greater contract responsibility.
Five plus years industry experience with contract management emphasis
Excellent knowledge of Ms. office especially advanced excel skills
Good organizational and time management skills
Above average interpersonal and written communication skills
Good problem solving skills and ability to learn and a pass in a fast-paced environment next slide responsibility, close attention to detail, ability to meet tight deadlines
Must be eligible to meet requirements for the US international traffic and arms regulations ITAR
Proficiency utilizing automated data systems and high level of competency in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
Experience performing professional procurement and contracting activities
Ability to write professionally and understand technical and legal language related to procurement and contracting processes.
Ability to work independently with general direction
Ability to think logically and develop solutions to complex procurement and contracting problems.
Ability to effectively communicate and work cooperatively with staff, other departments, vendors, governmental agencies, and the general public.
Ability to maintain reports and data in a highly organized manner using established administrative protocols.
Knowledge of process analysis and improvement methods.
Ability to analyze and organize information to prepare clear, comprehensive, and concise guidelines, procedures and reports.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with government or commercial contracts, including NDAs, subcontract flowdowns, and basic contract clauses, preferred but not required
Preference will be given to those who have experience in government contracts analysis
Knowledge of the FAR and related FAR supplements- this is a must

Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Lifecycle Support Support cradle-to-close contract administration activities for prime contracts and subcontracts within a small business operating in a high-growth phase.
Draft routine contractual documents, including NDAs, subcontract templates, modifications, and administrative amendments, for Senior Contract Specialist review and approval.
Maintain organized contract files, documentation logs, and version control to ensure audit readiness and traceability.
Track deliverables, funding, key milestones, and option periods to support program execution and compliance.
Develop increasing proficiency in contract lifecycle management processes to support progression toward greater independent contract ownership.
Operational Execution in a High-Tempo Environment Monitor and manage daily contract-related requests, including NDA processing, secure file transfer (SFTP) coordination, proposal extensions, confirmations, and document routing.
Attend daily technical and program meetings to maintain situational awareness of scope, schedule, and funding impacts.
Demonstrate the ability to reprioritize, pause, and resume assignments in alignment with program office and leadership direction.
Risk Identification & Scope Awareness Identify potential scope changes, funding impacts, performance risks, and contractual misalignments during technical discussions and elevate findings to the Senior Contract Specialist.
Support preparation of change documentation, subcontract modifications, and equitable adjustment materials as directed.
Build analytical skills in contractual risk assessment and mitigation through mentorship and applied experience.
Subcontract & Cross-Functional Coordination Support subcontract administration activities, including tracking revisions, funding updates, compliance documentation, and flowdown requirements.
Coordinate with engineering, program management, finance, and supply chain to gather required documentation and ensure contractual alignment.
Escalate complex contractual interpretation matters to the Senior Contract Specialist while developing independent issue-resolution capability.
Document Control & Technical Proficiency Draft, revise, and format contractual documents in Microsoft Word using advanced tools including tracked changes, bookmarks, cross-references, structured formatting, and protected templates.
Maintain document integrity to prevent formatting errors, broken references, or unintended clause modifications.
Utilize Microsoft Excel to track contract status, obligations, and modifications in a non-automated contract management environment.
Contribute to standardized templates and process improvements in preparation for future implementation of contract lifecycle management software.
Serve as the focal point for formal communications between internal and external customers
Maintain close professional relationships with internal customers
Ensuring all communication with external customers is concise
Conduct thorough review and analysis of contract terms and conditions
Provide contract briefs, negotiate new and renewal contracts and contract changes
Work with legal counsel in the development and drafting of contractual terms and conditions teaming agreements non disclosure agreements and other legal agreements
Attended to internal and external contract progress review meetings
Periodic inner internal and external reporting of contractual performance and issues
Assist with company compliance to export control, ITAR and controlled goods regulations
Responsible for contracting activities and assisting others with contracting activities including planning, developing, writing, issuing, tracking, and maintaining all contract related documents and records
Collects data on subcontractors' past performance and documents subcontractors' performance on current contracts.
Ensures contract and regulatory compliance
Acts as liaison with other departments, subcontractors, and government agencies, as required
Responsible for interpreting regulations and policies, developing and implementing procedures
Monitors contract-related schedules and budgets and tracks expenditures, progress payments, and invoices
Prepare appropriate documentation for the exercise of options, prepare Modifications and assist in the resolution and documentation of performance issues and problems, including letters and correspondence
Reviews regulatory publications to stay informed of current regulations and trends