Manager, Defense Contract

Ford • Dearborn, MI

1d • $115,500 - $218,100 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Defense Contract Manager will manage the full lifecycle of contracts and subcontracts for defense vehicle and engineering programs, from capture and proposal activities through execution, change management, and closeout. The role requires knowledge of government procurement, engagement with internal executives, and relationship-building with Department of War (DoW) personnel. The team operates in an agile, startup-like environment within Ford Motor Company and values collaboration, innovation, and versatility.

This leadership-level 6 position is hybrid, with a requirement to work onsite four or more days per week. The salary range is $115,500–$218,100; the final salary grade and base salary depend on the candidate’s skills and experience, job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value. Visa sponsorship is unavailable, and the candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Due to federal contract restrictions, the candidate must be a U.S. citizen.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in Department of Defense and/or federal government contracts management.
• Hands-on intermediate knowledge of FAR/DFARS compliance and OTA frameworks.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex defense-sector contracts and subcontracts.
• Must be a U.S. citizen due to federal government contract restrictions.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Military experience or veteran status, with an understanding of the customer and its terminology.
• Experience on large, complex defense programs, ideally vehicle programs; experience with aircraft (such as helicopters), power systems, or other complex systems is also relevant.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of federal contracts and subcontracts for assigned defense vehicle and engineering programs.
• Lead bid and proposal activities, including drafting Non-Disclosure Agreements, Teaming Agreements, and subcontracting frameworks.
• Interpret and apply Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations (DFARS), and Other Transaction Authority (OTA) regulations.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters with U.S. military customers, government agencies, and internal leadership.
• Partner with Ford stakeholders on compliant procurement procedures, supply-chain risk management, and ensuring subcontractors meet federal guidelines.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up childcare.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, and management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager