Sr Principal Contract Administrator

Northrop Grumman • Mesa, AZ

2d • $101,400 - $152,200 • Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Weapon Systems Division, Armament Systems Business Unit, is seeking an experienced Senior Principal Contract Administrator to work on-site in Mesa, Arizona. The role produces contract-management products in support of the business unit’s programs and regularly interacts with executive management and functional organizations across the operating unit, business unit, division, and sector. The successful candidate will bring a comprehensive understanding of DoD contracting, strong communication and interpersonal skills, advanced Microsoft 365 proficiency, mature business judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a complex contracts environment. Travel is approximately 10% of the time, and relocation assistance may be available.

The administrator provides senior-level contracts guidance throughout contract acquisition and performance, including interpreting regulations and terms, leading negotiations, supporting proposals, administering agreements, managing risk, and communicating contractual requirements and obligations to internal stakeholders and customers.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of relevant experience, or a master’s degree and at least 8 years of relevant experience; an additional 4 or more years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• At least 5 years of experience negotiating and administering a variety of domestic and international contract types and agreement structures.
• In-depth knowledge of FAR and DFARS, with experience applying the regulations across multiple contract types.
• Thorough understanding of applicable U.S. Government acquisition regulations and related compliance requirements.
• Strong proposal development and negotiation skills, with excellent oral and written communication tailored to senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel periodically, domestically and internationally, in support of program and customer commitments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret Clearance.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft 365 and strong interpersonal and organizational capabilities.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Contract Management System (CMS), SAP, and/or Cost Point.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and SharePoint.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to make recommendations and bring projects to completion.
• Independent decision-making and work skills while maintaining collaboration with stakeholders and subject-matter experts.
• Excellent communication skills for informing, presenting, and negotiating with all levels of management.

Responsibilities

• Interpret DoD regulations and complex commercial terms, and lead negotiations for U.S. Government, commercial, and international contracts and agreements.
• Advise on competitive and sole-source RFPs, NDAs, and Teaming Agreements, applying ITAR and export knowledge to support compliant and competitive structures.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, legal requirements, and customer specifications; identify contractual and business risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Resolve complex contractual and business issues by gathering and synthesizing information from diverse sources and developing practical business-focused solutions.
• Engage program, technical, and operations leadership to communicate contract requirements, obligations, and risks.
• Provide guidance across technical, program, finance, supply chain, legal, export, and security stakeholders to support alignment and issue resolution.
• Lead proposal preparation, complex contract negotiations, contract administration, and customer interactions to support contract acquisition and performance.
• Review and validate cost estimates, contract performance requirements, and delivery schedules for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with contractual commitments.
• Process specifications and progress reports; advise management on contractual rights, obligations, and risk; analyze contract data; and maintain historical information.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• Savings plan
• Company-paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business
• Potential eligibility for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus
• Potential long-term incentives for employees in Vice President or Director positions
• Relocation assistance may be available

What This Job Offers

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