Principal Contract Administrator

Northrop Grumman•Melbourne, FL

7d•$81,400 - $122,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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).

Responsibilities

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.