Contracts Administrator

Aston Carter•Chula Vista, CA

3d•$46 - $50•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Contracts Administrator supports day-to-day contract administration for a defense and maritime business providing equipment, components, overhaul services, and technical support for the U.S. Navy’s surface and submerged fleet. The role reviews, negotiates, acknowledges, and administers customer orders, contracts, and modifications, ensuring contractual requirements are clearly communicated and maintained throughout the organization. It includes contract validation, client communication, work authorization coordination, records management, government contract compliance, audit support, and contractual guidance for cross-functional stakeholders. The position collaborates with Program Management, Legal, Finance, Quality, Business Development, and Operations across multiple locations, and handles complex government contracts and non-routine contractual issues. The role is based in a contracts-focused office in Chula Vista, California, and is fully onsite. It operates in a fast-paced, highly regulated defense and maritime environment, with multiple contractual priorities, strict or emergent scheduling requirements, and potential exposure to ITAR/EAR-controlled information. This is a contract-to-hire position. The listed pay range is $46.00–$50.00 per hour. Benefits, if eligible, may include medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, tuition reimbursement, transportation benefits, an employee assistance program, and paid time off or leave programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
At least 5 years of related contracts administration experience; Navy ship repair, Department of Defense, or technical services experience is preferred.
Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS requirements and government flow-down obligations.
Hands-on experience administering government contracts, including exposure to complex defense or maritime programs.
Experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, purchase orders, modifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, and other contractual documents.
Strong understanding of contract law and experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and government terms and conditions.
Familiarity with government contract vehicles such as FFP, T&M, and IDIQ.
Working knowledge of ERP platforms, specifically Oracle, for contract and data management.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Understanding of CAS, TINA, DCAA, and CPSR audits.
Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements for ITAR/EAR-controlled information.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex contractual concepts clearly.
Strong organization, problem-solving, and multitasking skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Eligibility to pass a background check and ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
U.S. citizenship required for handling certain government and export-controlled information.

Nice To Haves

CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) or CFCM (Certified Federal Contracts Manager) certification.
Experience in Navy ship repair, defense, or technical services environments.
Experience supporting government contract compliance, including FAR/DFARS, CAS, TINA, DCAA, and CPSR requirements.
Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrated ability to identify and mitigate contractual risk through careful analysis and negotiation.
Interest in process improvement and enhancing contract administration practices.
Comfort working with complex government contracts and addressing non-routine, high-impact contractual issues.

Responsibilities

Review, validate, and acknowledge customer orders, contracts, and modifications for accuracy and compliance with contractual requirements.
Negotiate contract terms, purchase orders, modifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, and other contractual documents to protect organizational interests and mitigate risk.
Administer contracts throughout their lifecycle and maintain complete, accurate contractual records and documentation.
Coordinate work authorizations and provide internal teams with clear, timely direction based on contractual obligations and scope of work.
Communicate with clients and internal stakeholders to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and provide contract-status updates.
Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements, government flow-downs, and other government-contract regulations.
Support government contract audits, including CAS, TINA, DCAA, and CPSR-related reviews, by providing documentation and responding to inquiries.
Provide contractual guidance to Program Management, Legal, Finance, Quality, Business Development, and Operations.
Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks through review and negotiation of commercial and government terms and conditions.
Assist in resolving contractual issues, disputes, and claims.
Contribute to process improvements in contract administration, compliance, and negotiation practices.
Manage multiple contracts and priorities while meeting strict and emergent scheduling requirements.
Apply knowledge of government contract vehicles, including FFP, T&M, and IDIQ, to structure and administer agreements.
Use ERP platforms and office productivity tools to track contract data, generate reports, and support decision-making.
Address complex contractual issues beyond transactional administration using knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting practices.