Director of Contracts / Facility Security Officer

About Aalyria:
Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.

Role Overview:

Aalyria is seeking a highly experienced Director of Contracts (Public Sector) / Facility Security Officer reporting into our Chief Legal Officer. Director of Contracts (Public Sector) / Facility Security Officer will manage government contracts from initiation to completion, working closely with government customers, engineering teams, and operational stakeholders. The individual will operate in a collaborative and fast-paced environment, requiring strong business judgment, and data analysis skills. Candidates must be proficient in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and familiar with effective procurement strategies, including Other Transaction Authority (OTA) and deliverables-based contracts. The Director of Contracts will also manage our secured facilities.

Key Responsibilities:

In this role, the Director of Contracts (Public Sector) will work directly with government customers, engineering teams, and operational stakeholders to execute and document cradle-to-grave contracting actions (management of government contracts to include subcontracts supporting core development initiatives). The Director of Contracts (Public Sector) will operate in a collaborative, analytical, and fast-paced environment and must be comfortable interacting with highly technical cross-functional teams. Candidates must be able to multitask within different business operations and work with internal stakeholders, industry partners, and Government customers. The best candidates will have a deep understanding of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and the most effective contractual vehicles and procurement strategies to bring new technologies to government customers. Specific experience with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) and deliverables-based contracts is desirable.

The Director of Contracts (Public Sector) will:

• Execute a full range of Contract Management and Negotiation activities for contracts of various types, including (but not limited to): identification and management of contractual/performance risks, development and implementation of contractual and negotiation strategies, negotiations, and contract close-out activities.
• Support business development/capture activities, such as preparing and managing teaming agreements (TAs), and responding to Prime TAs, requests for proposals (RFPs) and data calls.
• Support proposal development for both Prime contracts and subcontract opportunities.
• Review and analyze customer solicitations (RFx) for FAR, DFARS, and other contractual requirements that may impact the company. Communicate findings to the capture and proposal team, and when necessary, offer alternate approaches to mitigate risks involving schedule, cost, specifications, etc.
• Ensure post award compliance on contract performance (cost, schedule, technical, company policies and procedures, and all other terms and conditions) of awarded agreements.
• Maintain communication with cross-functional organizations and customers to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and to execute the required actions on time.
• Ensure contract documents are consistent with agreements reached at negotiations.
• Participate in establishing and administering projects and assignments and maintaining a consistent and efficient business reporting rhythm.
• Understand and contractually manage a variety of different programs with different contract types (FFP, FPI, CPAF/IF, OTA, T&M, and IDIQ) and fee arrangements; Candidate should be well versed in both competitive and sole source proposals.
• Be involved in supplier negotiations leading to subcontract and purchase order definitizations associated with suppliers and subcontractors of various size and capabilities within the industry.
• Develop, negotiate and administer subcontract agreements and execute other aspects of the acquisition process in development of new business proposals and resultant subcontract agreements of high dollar value, risk, creativity and complexity.
• Regularly interact with customers, management (at all levels) and members of functional management with regard to acquisition requirements and issue resolution.
• Regularly exercise independent initiative and actions in support of strategic goals on behalf of the program and company objectives.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or 10+ years working in a Professional Services organization or other consulting industry.
• 5+ years' of professional experience in proposing, negotiating and managing US Government/DoD contracts.
• 5+ years' experience with:
  • USG procurement regulations
  • First-hand USG Contract negotiation experience
  • Drafting and Reviewing/Redlining Teaming Agreements and Subcontractor Agreements
  • The government acquisition process and tracking and delivering on FAR/DFARS compliance reporting
  • Reviewing terms and conditions; and performing contract risk analysis
  • Preparing and delivering state of the business documents and presentations
  • Executing and documenting business operations. Track, document, and enforce compliance procedures. Manage end-to-end acquisition actions.
• Excellent understanding of the government acquisition process.
• Excellent negotiation, oral, and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of government intellectual property (IP)/software and data rights clauses and IP guidelines.
• Excellent knowledge of the FAR/DFARS contracting principles.
• Ability to understand and analyze government Requests for Proposal (RFP) documents.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to clearly recognize risk elements in business transactions, providing governance to the program team in carrying out the terms of the contract.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI US Government security clearance.
• Proficient with MS Office and Google Workspace.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience with Contractual Management of a Government portfolio.
• NCMA Certified Federal Contracts Manager, Certified.
• Professional Contract Manager, or equivalent.
• Represent Procurement in interactions with senior management on a variety of subcontracting matters.
• Ability to conduct analysis of data and translate the results into actionable deliverables, messages, and presentations (Pivot Tables, charts, graphs, etc.).
• Must understand cost/price analysis concepts and tools and be able to implement and complete analysis on complex supplier proposals and agreements.
• Demonstrated experience proactively recognizing a challenge or problem and working with a variety of teams and data sources to diagnose the problem and recommend solutions.
• Strengths in attention to detail, project management and the ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously in an ambiguous environment.
• Experience performing ad hoc analysis using advanced Excel.

What We Offer:

• Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including a Pension Plan, private health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision for you and your dependents, and the opportunity to earn equity in the company.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking startup that is shaping the future of satellite communications.
• Impactful Work: Work on cutting-edge technology that has a global impact and drives real-world change.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of career growth opportunities and professional development in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Culture: Join a collaborative and inclusive team where your contributions are valued.
• Flexibility: Collaborate, work, and get things done with flexible working hours and remote work options.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Work Location: In-person full-time; Livermore, CA

This position requires in-person attendance at our Livermore, CA headquarters due to the sensitive nature of the role, involving physical security management and compliance with classified government programs. Candidates must be able to commute to and work regularly on-site in Livermore.