Contracts Administrator

CHEMRING ENERGETIC DEVICES INC•Downers Grove, IL

12d•$64,000 - $82,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Contracts Administrator provides administrative and contractual support to Chemring Energetic Devices’ Contracts organization throughout the contract lifecycle, from proposal development through contract closeout. Working under the guidance of a Contracts Manager, Senior Contracts Manager, or Principal Contracts Manager, the role supports contract administration activities while developing proficiency in U.S. Government and commercial contracting. The position is based in Downers Grove, Illinois, and the current salary range is $64,000–$82,000 per year. Compensation may also include participation in a bonus, commission, or incentive program. CED follows a 9/80 work schedule with alternating Fridays off. The role supports proposal development, contract awards and modifications, contract records and correspondence, change management, customer and internal communications, export compliance coordination, audits, and contract closeout. It works with cross-functional stakeholders and uses internal business systems and customer portals to administer contracts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 6 months of experience supporting contracts, subcontracts, proposal administration, procurement, export management, legal administration, or related business functions.
Must be a lawful U.S. person due to ITAR restrictions.
Must be eligible to possess explosives under the Safe Explosives Act of 2003, as amended, as required by BATF for Chemring Energetic Devices employees.
Basic understanding of the contract lifecycle and government contracting principles.
Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR, or ability to rapidly develop proficiency.
Ability to use and navigate internal and customer systems such as D365, Exostar, WAWF, and E-Tools.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to prioritize multiple assignments while meeting deadlines.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively and build collaborative working relationships across functional organizations.

Nice To Haves

Related contracts or subcontracts coursework.
Experience in the aerospace and defense manufacturing industry.
Professional certification such as NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), or Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), or ability to obtain a certification within one year of placement.

Responsibilities

Support the Contracts Manager with proposal development, contract awards, contract modifications, and ongoing contract administration.
Create, update, and maintain contract data in the system of record, ensuring accurate documentation, data integrity, traceability, and alignment with contract requirements and company procedures.
Review customer purchase orders, contract modifications, and contractual correspondence for completeness and accuracy before processing.
Assist in reviewing contractual documents for accuracy and compliance with contract terms, customer requirements, applicable regulations, and internal procedures.
Coordinate internal contract review packages and obtain required functional approvals.
Prepare routine contractual documents and correspondence, including modifications, customer notifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, contractual letters, and other assigned contractual instruments.
Support proposal teams by gathering contractual information, preparing contractual sections of proposal packages, coordinating certifications and representations, and assisting with proposal submissions.
Assist in monitoring program performance for scope changes and support the contract change management process with Program Management, Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Quality, and other stakeholders.
Coordinate shipment documentation, customer acceptance documentation, invoicing support, and contract closeout documentation as required.
Serve as a secondary contractual interface with customers, supporting fact-finding, proposal development, contract awards, and routine contractual communications, and escalate complex matters to the Contracts Manager.
Develop working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, customer contractual requirements, and company policies to support compliant contract administration.
Support export compliance activities by coordinating with the Export Compliance function, identifying contractual export control requirements, maintaining export-related documentation and records, assisting with customer and internal requests, and helping ensure compliance with ITAR and EAR.
Ensure contractual requirements and customer deliverables are communicated to appropriate internal stakeholders.
Maintain organized contract files in accordance with company document retention procedures and quality management system requirements.
Support internal and external audits by preparing contractual documentation and responding to requests for information.
Build positive working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders through timely, professional, and accurate communication.
Use internal business systems and customer portals, including Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365), Exostar, PIEE/WAWF, and other systems required to administer contracts.
Comply with government and corporate laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ensure compliance with the Chemring Operational Framework, BACM, Code of Conduct, and U.S. Code of Ethics and Business Conduct.
Perform special projects and other duties or responsibilities as assigned.