Defense Contracts & Proposals Lead; Systems Integration

SPEC is seeking a disciplined, mission-focused Operations Manager (or Director, commensurate with experience) to lead the day-to-day execution of contracts, proposals, and systems integration activities across our defense electronics portfolio. The successful candidate will serve as the principal point of contact with government Contracting Officers (KOs), Contracting Officer's Representatives (CORs), prime contractor program managers, and SPEC's subcontractor base. This role bridges technical execution and business operations, ensuring that SBIR, OTA, and traditional FAR-based contracts are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with government requirements.

The position is ideally suited for a former military junior officer who has demonstrated small-unit leadership, sound judgment under pressure, and the ability to operate effectively across technical, contractual, and customer-facing domains.

Key Responsibilities

Contracts & Proposals

• Lead proposal development for SBIR Phase I/II/III, STTR, BAA, OTA, and traditional DoD solicitations, including coordination of technical volumes, cost volumes, and past performance narratives.
• Serve as primary interface with government Contracting Officers and Contracting Officer's Representatives on contract execution, modifications, deliverables, and compliance matters.
• Manage the full contract lifecycle: capture, proposal submission, negotiation, award, execution, and closeout.
• Maintain SAM.gov, DSIP, eMASS, and other government portal registrations and submissions.
• Act as SPEC's primary liaison to prime contractor program offices, ensuring alignment on technical milestones, deliverables, and integration timelines.
• Direct and oversee SPEC's subcontractor base, including statement of work development, performance management, and invoice review.
• Negotiate teaming agreements, NDAs, and subcontract terms in coordination with executive leadership.

Systems Integration & Program Execution

• Coordinate cross-functional execution of RF/microwave, DRFM, EW, and radar system development programs.
• Track program schedules, risks, and technical milestones; drive corrective action when programs deviate from baseline.
• Support technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and customer site visits, including ship-mounted EW system integration activities.

Operations & Compliance

• Support CMMC, NIST 800-171, and DFARS compliance activities in coordination with the cybersecurity lead.
• Oversee facility security, export control (ITAR/EAR), and government property accountability processes.
• Mentor and direct junior engineering and program staff in a small-team environment.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 5–7 years of progressive responsibility in defense contracting, program management, military operations, or a closely related field.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline — engineering, physics, mathematics, computer science, or a related STEM field — OR a bachelor's degree in Systems Management or Systems Engineering.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading small teams (squad-, platoon-, division-, or equivalent-sized units) with accountability for personnel, equipment, and mission execution.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior government and prime contractor stakeholders.
• Working proficiency with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project).

Preferred Qualifications

• Former U.S. military junior officer (O-1 through O-4) with documented small-unit leadership experience — graduates of West Point, USNA, USAFA, USCGA, ROTC, or OCS strongly preferred.
• Prior experience as a Program Manager, Assistant PM, S-3/S-4, or Acquisition Officer.
• Familiarity with SBIR/STTR programs, OTAs, DIU CSOs, AFWERX, SOFWERX, or similar non-traditional acquisition pathways.
• Working knowledge of RF/microwave systems, electronic warfare, radar, or unmanned systems.
• Experience with FAR/DFARS, DCAA-compliant accounting environments, and CMMC requirements.
• Active DoD Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Personal Attributes

• Bias for action; comfortable operating with limited…