Senior Contracts Manager II

Rocket Lab•Chantilly, VA

9d•$108,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab Optical Systems is seeking a Contracts Manager based in Chantilly, Virginia, to administer contracts and ensure compliance across the business. The role supports multiple types of U.S. Government and commercial contracts, helping ensure contractual obligations and performance milestones are met. It requires productivity, resourcefulness, and accuracy in a fast-paced, open-space environment. The position manages contract administration, negotiations, compliance matters, proposal support, and contract records. It also serves as the primary customer interface for contractual compliance matters and works with internal teams and customer counterparts. The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. The expected Virginia base salary range is $108,000–$135,000. Compensation may also include company stock or cash incentives and access to an employee stock purchase program. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan options, paid vacation, holidays and sick leave, paid parental leave, discounts, and other perks. U.S. office employees must meet applicable U.S. Government export-regulation eligibility requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 8 years of contract administration and/or management experience in the space and/or aerospace and defense industries.
Extensive knowledge of Government contracts and contract types, OTAs, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
Extensive knowledge and experience negotiating commercial terms and conditions.
Experience managing DoD prime contracts and/or subcontracts supporting DoD programs.
Experience analyzing requests for proposal and preparing proposals.
Have or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in out-of-the-box contracts (OTAs).
Experience with export control, ITAR, and EAR.
Experience with financial, property, and governmental agency audits.
Experience with contract lifecycle management systems such as DocuSign.
Ability to use critical thinking to solve problems independently and creatively in a timely manner.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate contract compliance information to different levels of management and program teams.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Detail orientation, a team-player attitude, high work ethic, and reliability.
Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, scientists, attorneys, and industry executives.
Ability to work independently as a self-starter, influence stakeholders through effective communication, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

Negotiate and administer government and commercial contracts, subcontracts, nondisclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and intellectual property licenses.
Review and interpret contract provisions and agreement types, and provide advice on them.
Analyze model contract terms and conditions for implications to programs and the corporation, and communicate findings to internal stakeholders and leadership.
Serve as the primary customer interface for contractual compliance matters, including changes, disputes, and requests for equitable adjustment during contract performance.
Assist program and business development teams with proposal review and preparation in response to Government and commercial solicitations and requests for information.
Create and maintain contract and business files.
Establish and maintain relationships with Government and other customer counterparts, as well as internal customers and stakeholders.
Assist the Accounts Receivable team with generating invoices and obtaining payments from Government and commercial customers.