Contracts and Subcontracts Administrator (ARL
Listed on 2026-08-11
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Business
Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Administrative Management
We are searching for an experienced Contracts and Subcontracts Administrator to join our Contracts Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State University. In this role, you will be part of a team that provides support to U.S. Government customers. ARL Business Services enables and facilitates the research, scholarship, and creative endeavors of ARL by providing efficient and high-quality contracting, purchasing, accounting, and related capabilities to all ARL programs.
ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
You will:Administer, review, and negotiate award terms and conditions associated with proposal solicitations (e.g., Request for Proposal) processes, and manage the post-award administration, working with other administrators, subcontractors, and Principal Investigators (PIs) to ensure ARL, University, and federal policies are followed, monitoring for compliance
Prepare, review, and process financial and non-financial agreements, collaborating with PIs and others, in accordance with ARL Standard Operating Procedures and University policy
Provide guidance and advise staff and faculty on all aspects of grant and contract management
Respond to and consult with sponsors, PIs, Office Business Manager, and other departments throughout ARL and the University regarding reports, special terms and conditions, budgetary issues, and invoicing of sponsored programs
Review budgets and budget justifications, and provide input to PIs and other staff and faculty on appropriateness of budgeted items
Negotiation and administration of various government sponsored research agreements
Proposal preparation processes, including agreements (both financial and non-financial
Working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation
Contract term negotiation processes
Microsoft Office
Success in an office environment, where various forms of communication and organizational skills were crucial to be effective
Previous success with collaborations in a multi-disciplinary, team-oriented, culture
Eight or more years of related experience in government contracting or sponsored research, preferably in an academic setting
DoD research and development contracting on a CPFF basis
DoD or IC contracting experience
Current eligibility for access to classified information at the Top Secret level or higher and may be subject to a government background investigation to upgrade clearance eligibility, if required
Your working location will be fully on-site, located in State College, PA. Questions related to flexible work should be directed to the hiring manager during the interview process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Contracts and Subcontracts Administrator (ARL) - Senior Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree 6+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required
Certifications:
None
If filled as Contracts and Subcontracts Administrator (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires:
Bachelor's Degree 3+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
Required
Certifications:
None
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL):
Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $75,408.00 - $.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.
For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and…
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