Senior Contracts Manager

AeroVironment•Simi Valley, CA

About The Position

The Senior Contracts Manager applies complex contract management expertise to aerospace projects, partnering with legal, finance, procurement, engineering, operations, sales, strategy, and other teams to streamline contract workflows, mitigate risks, and support business goals. The role develops bid, capture, and contract negotiation processes and documentation, then supports efficient contract performance throughout the lifecycle, including amendments and interpretations. The position oversees proposals, negotiations, contract review and administration, modifications, close-outs, and program support for complex, multi-year contracts. It drafts, evaluates, and negotiates a broad range of agreements, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and company policies, monitors contract performance, analyzes obligations and changes, and advises management on risks. It also coordinates terms-and-conditions flow-downs, works with DCMA and audit agencies, may lead internal and external audits, and oversees accurate contract records, business-system data, reports, and status reviews. This role requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, along with 8–10 years of relevant aerospace, defense, or government contracting experience. The position requires current expertise in federal and international regulations, DoD/Federal prime contract administration, contract drafting and negotiation, and FAR/DFAR and OTA matters. Candidates must presently hold or be capable of obtaining a U.S. security clearance; Secret clearance is listed, with Top Secret preferred. The position also requires access to ITAR/EAR-controlled information, subject to the stated U.S.-person or export-license requirements. The salary range is $139,000–$212,000. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. Work includes office duties and may require travel to sites, programs, and special functions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
8–10 years of experience performing relevant duties in an aerospace, defense, or government contracting environment.
Presently hold or be capable of obtaining a U.S. security clearance; Secret clearance is listed, with Top Secret preferred.
Current expertise in federal and international regulations and relevant legal concepts.
Significant experience in directly related international and DoD/Federal prime government contract administration or management, including senior-level experience and work across the full spectrum of contract types.
Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills.
Knowledge of FAR/DFAR, OTAs, and U.S. Government acquisition laws and regulations.
Broad experience with firm-fixed-price, cost-type, commercial and non-commercial, production, development, and sustainment contracts.
Broad experience with license, non-disclosure, and teaming agreements.
Working knowledge of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements, including FAR Part 15.
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation communication skills.
Ability to translate business and technical risk and communicate clearly to leadership.
Demonstrated business acumen, problem-solving ability, and capacity to develop innovative solutions.
Ability to work collaboratively and build confidence with coworkers and customers.
Highly organized, professional, and able to work with people at varying seniority levels and external partners.
Critical thinking, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
Process-oriented, results- and deadline-driven approach; able to perform in a fast-paced environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
Familiarity with finance and accounting procedures.
Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
Ability to meet the office and physical demands of the position, including prolonged sitting and standing, computer and telephone use, and lifting up to 10 pounds.
Must meet the stated ITAR/EAR eligibility requirements as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification.
Advanced degree.
Top Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

Work with Operations, Contracts leaders, Sales, Strategy and Marketing, Finance, Legal, and other functions on bid and proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract review, and administration for new and sustaining products and services.
Manage contract administration throughout the lifecycle, including proposal review and preparation, pre- and post-award negotiations, contract modifications, close-outs, and support for programs involving complex, multi-year contracts.
Draft, evaluate, and negotiate agreements including non-disclosure, sales and purchase, subcontract, consulting, license, master, FAR-based, OTA, and other contractual agreements.
Ensure agreements and terms comply with applicable regulations and requirements and company policies.
Manage and monitor performance of long-term contracts and agreements.
Analyze and summarize contractual obligations, commitments, and performance for internal stakeholders.
Assess the impact of contract-term modifications and revisions and prepare recommendations and risk reviews for management.
Coordinate flow-downs of terms and conditions with functional departments, including program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain management, and manufacturing.
Liaise with the Defense Contract Management Agency and other audit agencies; may lead internal and external audits.
Oversee accurate contract files, including original contracts, correspondence, changes, deviations, modifications, amendments, and clarifications.
Review contract-related data uploaded to business systems for accuracy and completeness.
Oversee maintenance and retrieval of contract documents, files, and validated data; prepare reports and lead status reviews.
Contribute to continuous improvement and implementation of company procedures and contract management processes.
Perform other duties as assigned.