Defense Contracts & Growth Manager

Company Description

NALEJ.ai Corporation specializes in distributed hybrid infrastructure with its Mosaic ‘AI & Edge Native’ enterprise open-source full-stack platform. Offering dual-use technologies, the Mosaic Platform integrates Dev Sec Ops , Data Sec Ops , AI/ML Ops, Cyber Ops, and Network Ops capabilities. Designed for secure operational environments, the platform supports SaaS, PaaS, IaaS, Hybrid, and Air‑Gap modalities, all compliant with MOSA, NIST, and Zero Trust standards at IL4‑IL6 SAP levels.

NALEJ.ai focuses on delivering secure, innovative solutions for edge networks and tactical systems. As an equal opportunity employer, NALEJ is committed to inclusivity and diversity across its workforce.

This is a full‑time on‑site role for a Defense Contracts & Growth Manager based in Arlington, VA. The professional in this role will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing defense industry contracts while driving business growth in line with company objectives. Responsibilities include forming strategic partnerships, overseeing project management for formal bids, analyzing market trends, and effectively communicating with stakeholders.

This role also involves contributing to the development of business strategies in the defense and federal sector.

NALEJ Corporation is seeking an experienced Defense Contracts & Growth Manager to support the company’s defense growth strategy through disciplined contract management, opportunity identification, capture support, pricing coordination, and defense budget literacy. This role is not a traditional finance or accounting position. It is a growth‑oriented contracts role responsible for helping NALEJ identify fundable defense opportunities, understand government buying pathways, support proposal pricing development, and manage awarded contracts through execution, modification, invoicing, and closeout.

The ideal candidate understands how defense agencies buy technology, how appropriated funds and “colors of money” shape acquisition decisions, and how FAR/DFARS, contract vehicles, proposal requirements, pricing strategy, and program execution connect inside a growing defense technology company. This role sits at the intersection of government contracting, financial operations, and business while simultaneously identifying and pursuing new contracting opportunities that align with NALEJ’s strategic growth objectives.

This is a seasoned individual contributor role with high visibility to Corporate Operations and the CEO, with a direct impact on NALEJ’s ability to scale.

• Own the full lifecycle management of all NALEJ defense contracts — from proposal and award through execution, modification, and closeout — ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and all applicable regulations.
• Serve as NALEJ’s primary interface with government Contracting Officers (COs) and Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) across active contracts.
• Develop & manage contract budgets, burn rate tracking & financial forecasts for active programs.
• Lead the preparation and submission of contract proposals, including cost volumes, pricing models, and supporting financial documentation.
• Identify, research, and qualify new contracting opportunities across the DOD using SAM.gov, Gov Tribe, and agency‑specific procurement portals.
• Manage invoice submission, payment tracking, and revenue recognition in coordination with internal finance and accounting functions.
• Ensure contract deliverables, reporting milestones, and period‑of‑performance obligations are tracked and met on time.
• Develop and maintain internal Fin Ops policies, procedures, and controls specific to defense contract requirements.
• Collaborate with the BD team to provide contract and pricing intelligence to support pipeline development and capture strategy.
• Provide regular financial and contract status reports to Corporate Operations and the CEO, including risk flags and opportunity assessments.
• Support audits, DCAA interactions, and any government‑initiated contract reviews or inquiries.
• Monitor regulatory changes to FAR/DFARS and relevant agency supplements, ensuring NALEJ maintains continuous…