Senior Specialist, Contracts

Job Description

Are you a seasoned contracts professional with a passion for innovation and national defense? We’re seeking a Senior Specialist, Contracts to lead contract activities across a dynamic portfolio of Other Transaction (OT)-based prototyping projects focused on emerging defense technologies.

In this pivotal role, you’ll serve as the primary contracts expert for assigned projects, supporting both our Department of Defense (DoD) customers and project Performers through all phases of prototype development. You’ll collaborate across departments—including program management, marketing, and finance—to manage risk, ensure compliance, and drive successful project execution.

• Performs as the lead contracts specialist for assigned projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• Develops, prepares, reviews, and administers agreements, to include all associated supporting documents and/or other memoranda, that are compliant with policies, regulations, and statutes. Provides reviewed, edited, and ‘ready-to-approve’ contractual actions or other documentation for internal consideration & approval (i.e., Senior Contracts Manager review).
• Supports, participates, and/or acts as lead moderator in moderate-to-highly complex contract negotiations with performers and/or customers, as assigned.
• Leads troubleshooting efforts to resolve contractual issues and elevates to management when appropriate.
• Reviews contract terms to identify potential risk and monitors for compliance issues at prime, performer and sub-performer tiers.
• Prepares high-quality documentation, correspondence, and presentations to support various actions.
• Examines supporting materials and agreement documents, conducts timely research, and shares findings with supervisor and/or team as applicable.
• Authors high-quality documentation and correspondence.
• In coordination with supervisor & team, performs as a primary liaison between the organization and performers/customers for assigned workload.
• Maintains accurate, thorough, and complete contract records to ensure compliance with contractual, reporting, and regulatory requirements.

• Bachelor’s Degree or other Advanced Degree in relevant fields of study such as Business Administration.
• A minimum of 5+ years of prior relevant contracting experience.
• Possession of, or an ability to receive, SECRET-level clearance.
• Direct experience in contract execution, procurement, or acquisition in support of a defense-centric contracting portfolio.
• Working knowledge and practical experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and other relevant regulations and instructions.
• Experience executing projects and contracts from inception to completion.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Competence in negotiating terms and resolving conflicts.
• Demonstrable mastery of contract-related communications & research.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition policy related to R&D efforts and/or other alternative contracting methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, regulations, policies, and project requirements.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in contract documentation and management.
• Proficient with contract management software and tools, as well as general office software such as Microsoft Office Suite.

• DAWIIA Certification, NCMA Certification or equivalent certification.
• Direct experience with Other Transaction agreements (10 U.S. Code § 4021 & 4022).
• Previous signature authority or Contracting Officer /…