Sr Principal Contract Administrator

Northrop Grumman•Linthicum Heights, MD

7d•$112,200 - $168,200•Onsite

About The Position

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is hiring a Senior Principal Contract Administrator to support the Mission Next (MNX) Division's Emerging Capabilities Development (ECD) Business Unit and Advanced Systems and Technology Operating Unit. The role is based onsite in Linthicum, Maryland, and follows a 9/80 work schedule. The administrator works closely with Program Management, Business Management, Legal, Global Supply Chain, and Engineering to support proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer contract activities in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer requirements. The position administers standard and nonstandard contracts from proposal preparation and negotiation through post-award administration and closeout. It serves as the lead contracts focal and primary customer interface for complex programs, advises senior management and customers on significant contractual and business issues, and coordinates with cross-functional teams to balance contractual risk and business objectives. The role also leads complex solicitation and RFP strategies, assesses contract risks, negotiates contractual instruments, manages deliverables and contract changes, and provides guidance to less-experienced contract administrators.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of contracts or closely related experience, such as contracts-related legal, supply chain, or business experience; or a master’s degree and 6 years of such experience.
Alternatively, 12 years of directly applicable experience may be substituted for a degree.
Strong working knowledge of commercial and U.S. Government contracting, including experience with multiple contract types such as FFP, CPFF, CPIF, and T&M.
Experience applying FAR/DFARS and associated Federal contracting regulations to contracts and negotiations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint.
U.S. citizenship.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance.
Ability to obtain and maintain Special Program Access (SAP).

Nice To Haves

Current or active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance.
Experience working on restricted and/or special access programs.
Prior experience leading large proposal preparation and complex contract negotiations.
Experience with Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and familiarity with CRADAs, MOUs, and similar agreements.
Experience with Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), Undefinitized Contract Actions (UCAs), or similar actions.
Experience establishing and administering Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) and firewall plans.

Responsibilities

Serve as the lead contracts focal and primary customer interface for complex programs, building and maintaining strong customer and internal stakeholder relationships through written, virtual, and in-person communication.
Advise senior management and customers on significant contractual and business issues.
Independently perform complex assignments, determining objectives, strategies, and approaches with considerable latitude.
Collaborate with finance, supply chain, mission assurance, legal, pricing, compliance, and other cross-functional teams to balance contractual risk with business objectives.
Lead strategy and execution for complex solicitations and RFPs, including requirements analysis, proposal strategy and development, cross-functional signoff coordination, and evaluation of estimates, performance requirements, and delivery schedules.
Analyze customer RFPs, statements of work, and terms and conditions to identify financial, schedule, technical, intellectual property, warranty, remedies, termination, indemnification, export/ITAR, and other risks.
Lead proposal fact-finding, negotiations, award activities, and drafting and negotiation of contractual instruments, including NDAs, teaming agreements, modifications, and other nonstandard agreements.
Manage post-award administration of complex efforts, including modifications and change orders, claims and disputes, and contract closeout.
Ensure timely, compliant delivery of contractual deliverables, including CDRLs/SDRLs and invoices, and maintain accurate contract data in company systems.
Advise senior leadership on contractual rights, obligations, and risk posture.
Mentor and guide less-experienced contract administrators, improve processes, and share best practices to support the contracts function.

Benefits

Health plan
Savings plan
Paid time off
Education assistance
Training and development
9/80 work schedule where available
Health insurance coverage
Life and disability insurance
Company-paid holidays
Potential overtime, shift differential, and discretionary bonus, depending on the position