Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager

Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager

Job Title:

Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager

Reports To:

General Manager

Company Overview:

We are a specialized, high-precision manufacturing firm (under 50 employees) dedicated to supporting the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base. We pride ourselves on technical excellence and the ability to execute complex, mission-critical components for the nation's most advanced undersea platforms.

Position Summary:

The Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager will bridge the gap between complex Navy requirements and shop floor execution. This dual-impact role requires a rare combination of contractual literacy (FAR/DFARS) and hands-on manufacturing engineering to ensure every part we ship meets stringent NAVSEA standards while maintaining lean, efficient production processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Technical Contract & Proposal Review

* Contract Lifecycle Management:
Review, interpret, and negotiate prime contracts and subcontracts to ensure full compliance with FAR, DFARS, and NAVSEA Standard Items.

* Technical Liaison:
Act as the primary technical point of contact for Government Contracting Officers and Prime Contractors regarding Statement of Work (SOW) clarity and scope.

* Risk & Compliance:
Identify contractual risks early in the bidding process; ensure all quality, safety, and specialized submarine material (e.g., Level I/SUBSAFE) requirements are integrated into the project plan.

* Change Management:
Manage Technical Change Orders, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), and contract modifications resulting from design changes or latent conditions.

Shop Floor & Assembly Process Development

* Process Engineering:
Design and implement robust shop floor processes for CNC machining and complex mechanical assembly to ensure repeatability and "first-time-through" quality.

* Manufacturing Instructions:
Develop detailed Work Instructions (WIs) and Routing Sheets that translate complex Navy specifications into actionable steps for machinists and technicians.

* Lean Implementation:
Apply Lean/5S methodologies to optimize the flow of high-mix, low-volume submarine components through the shop.

* Tooling & Equipment:
Research and propose capital investments in advanced machining or inspection technology to meet tighter tolerances and increasing Navy demand.

Leadership & Operational Oversight

* Cross-Functional Leadership:
Lead a small team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.

* Quality Alignment:
Collaborate with the QA department to ensure all "in-process" inspections and final data packages meet the Quality Management System (AS9100) and NAVSEA requirements.

* Project Scheduling:
Coordinate with production to ensure project milestones align with contract delivery schedules and customer deadlines.

Qualifications:

* Experience:

Minimum 5-8 years in defense manufacturing, with at least 5 years specifically within Navy Submarine Building (e.g., Virginia, Columbia, or Ohio classes).

* Contractual Expertise:
Deep familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items (e.g., 009-01, 009-09) and the federal acquisition process.

* Technical

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Marine Engineering.

* Technical

Skills:

Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and a strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining (±.0001) for rugged materials like HY-80/100 steel or K-Monel.

* Security:
Must be a U.S. Citizen and capable of obtaining a Secret Security Clearance.

Compensation and Benefits:

* Base salary $125,000 - $150,000 based on experience and qualifications.

* Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

* Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.

* Retirement savings plan with employer match.

* Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.

Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager

PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS

Physical Demand

Not Applicable

Occasional

Frequent

Constant

Sitting

X

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing/Balancing

X

Stooping/Twisting

X

Kneeling

X

Squatting

X

Crawling

X

Push/Pull

X

Reaching

X

Gripping

X

Keyboarding

X

Pinching

X

Neck Rotation/Extension

X

Foot Use

X

Visual Acuity (Near/Far)

X

Lift/Carry

Not…