Contracts Administrator

Description

As a Contracts Administrator, you will be the pivotal linchpin that transforms opportunity into agreement, driving program success and opening new growth avenues. Working side‑by‑side with the program management team, you will ensure every contract is executed efficiently and effectively, safeguarding both company and customer interests. This full‑time, on‑site position is based at our Rancho Bernardo campus in San Diego, CA.

What Youll Do

• Own the contract lifecycle: from shaping the initial business deal, dissecting Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and crafting winning proposals, through rigorous negotiation, active contract management, to final close‑out. • Mitigate risk: analyze terms and conditions related to financials, delivery schedules, intellectual property, indemnification, termination, and more; recommend and implement effective mitigation strategies. • Evaluate complex solicitations: interpret Model Contracts, Statements of Work/Objectives (SOWs/SOOs), Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs), acceptance criteria, and other critical documents. • Drive proposal development: assemble compliant submittal packages that meet all technical, financial, and regulatory requirements. • Lead negotiations: partner with customers and internal stakeholders to secure mutually beneficial business deals while protecting the companys risk posture. • Serve as the primary customer liaison: manage all official contract communications, ensuring clarity, responsiveness, and professionalism. • Oversee multiple contracts simultaneously: manage contract value, funding, scope, and compliance across diverse contract types.

Core Responsibilities

• Analysis & Strategy: Assess requirements and translate them into actionable contract strategies. • Compliance Assurance: Verify that every proposal and contract adheres to company policies, legal standards, and customer mandates. • Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate cross‑functional teams, including program management, legal, finance, and operations, to ensure contract objectives are clearly understood and consistently executed. • Performance Monitoring: Track contract milestones, deliverables, and key performance indicators; flag deviations early and drive corrective actions to keep projects on schedule and within scope. • Documentation & Record Management: Maintain an organized repository of contracts, modifications, and related documentation, guaranteeing traceability and audit readiness.

What Were Looking For

• Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, restricted environment with demanding performance standards. • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate complex contract concepts clearly to internal teams and external customers. • Self‑directed problem‑solver who proactively sets priorities, continuously expands expertise, and devises innovative solutions to ambiguous challenges. • Strong analytical mindset for reviewing and mitigating contractual risks across financial, technical, and legal dimensions.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelors degree with 2 years of experience in business management and/or contract administration, or a Masters degree with 1 year of experience in business management and/or contract administration. • U.S. Citizenship required. • A current/active DoD Top Secret clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation). • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, prior to the commencement of employment. • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in proposal development and negotiation. • Experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry. • Experience with Special Access Programs (SAPs). • Prior knowledge and understanding of standard contract clauses in aerospace. • Prior experience with a variety of contract types (e.g., Cost Plus Fixed Fee, Award Fee, Incentive Fee; Fixed Price Incentive Fee; Firm Fixed Price; etc.). • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).