Senior Contracts Administrator
Apply NowCompany: Karman Space and Defense
Location: Huntington Beach, CA 92647
Description:
Summary:
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Contracts Administrator to manage a portfolio of complex government and commercial contracts. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. This role requires strong expertise in DoD contracts, FAR/DFARS compliance, contract negotiations, and lifecycle contract management. The Senior Contracts Administrator will be responsible for leading the review, negotiation, and administration of various agreements. The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of federal procurement regulations, the ability to assess contractual risks, and the capability to develop solutions that align with company objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Contract Negotiation & Administration:
Contract Lifecycle Management:
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
Stakeholder & Internal Collaboration:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Contracts Administrator to manage a portfolio of complex government and commercial contracts. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. This role requires strong expertise in DoD contracts, FAR/DFARS compliance, contract negotiations, and lifecycle contract management. The Senior Contracts Administrator will be responsible for leading the review, negotiation, and administration of various agreements. The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of federal procurement regulations, the ability to assess contractual risks, and the capability to develop solutions that align with company objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Contract Negotiation & Administration:
- Review, negotiate, and redline prime contracts, subcontracts, contract modifications, and various agreements (NDAs, TAs, etc.) within delegated authority.
- Analyze RFPs, solicitations, cost volumes, and contract volumes for compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, and DoD procurement regulations.
- Provide risk analysis and strategy recommendations to leadership on bids, negotiations, contract modifications, amendments, and renewals.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters, interacting with government contracting officers, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders.
Contract Lifecycle Management:
- Manage the full lifecycle of a diverse portfolio of government and commercial contracts from proposal submission through contract closeout.
- Ensure adherence to contractual terms, deliverables, and compliance requirements throughout contract execution.
- Maintain comprehensive contract files for audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight:
- Ensure contracts comply with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and other regulatory requirements.
- Provide guidance on cost allowability per 2 C.F.R. 200 and other government cost principles.
- Work with internal teams (legal, finance, operations, and business development) to ensure contract terms align with corporate and regulatory objectives.
- Monitor contract performance and compliance, identifying and mitigating risks as needed.
Stakeholder & Internal Collaboration:
- Partner with business development, finance, legal, engineering, and program management teams to support contract execution and compliance.
- Actively participate in contract negotiations, advocating for favorable terms and ensuring the protection of company interests.
- Educate and advise internal teams on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 5-7+ years of experience in DoD/Defense contract administration within a fast-paced manufacturing or dynamic environment.
- Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and various contract types (e.g., FFP, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, and OTAs).
- Extensive experience with Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract negotiations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)-covered contracts, and negotiations involving the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (formerly TINA), including certified cost or pricing data submissions and compliance.
- Experience with prime contract administration and/or subcontract management.
- Working knowledge of export control requirements such as ITAR and EAR compliance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong contract drafting, redlining, and negotiation skills.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing multiple contracts.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident due to government contract requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field, OR 8+ years of direct experience in federal procurement/acquisition (government or contractor side).
- Experience working on contracts with major DoD agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) and prime contractors.
- Experience applying cost allowability requirements in 2 C.F.R. 200.
- Strong knowledge of DCAA compliance and cost accounting requirements.
- Contract experience in space, missile defense, or hypersonic programs.
- Secret or Higher Clearance