Senior Contracts Administrator

AV is seeking a Senior Contracts Administrator to join our Directed Energy (DE) Business Unit, reporting to the BU Contracts Manager. This role provides full lifecycle contract administration — proposals, negotiations, modifications, and execution — while serving as a dependable partner to leadership, program teams, business development, and customers.

We are redefining the future of defense by delivering cutting-edge laser weapon and advanced tracking and targeting systems that protect warfighters and enable mission success. Our teams are advancing technology that is rugged, adaptable, and mission-ready, rapidly transitioning from development into real-world applications. Joining this group means contributing to innovative solutions that directly support national security.

The ideal candidate has a solid foundation in government contracting, with the confidence to manage day-to-day work independently and the professionalism and tact to build trust and credibility across diverse stakeholders. They are organized, resourceful, and strong problem solvers, able to navigate complex issues with poise while ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and company policies.

This position supports a diverse portfolio, including prime/subcontract agreements, IDIQ vehicles, OTAs (direct and consortium), and commercial/non-commercial R&D programs. It is designed for a contracts professional who thrives in a cross-functional organization, builds strong relationships, consistently delivers compliant, high-quality results, and manage multiple priorities in a fast paced, dynamic environment. 

On any given day, the selected candidate may be asked to:

• Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the lifecycle, including proposal review and preparation, leading pre- and post-award negotiations, executing modifications, initiating close-outs, and supporting complex, multi-year programs.
• Administer and support a variety of contract types and structures, including prime and subcontracts, IDIQ vehicles, OTAs (with and without consortiums), and commercial/non-commercial R&D agreements.
• Analyze RFPs, RFQs, and solicitations, coordinating proposal inputs and ensuring terms, conditions, and pricing align with corporate policy.
• Draft, review, redline, and negotiate contracts, subcontracts, license agreements, and terms and conditions with U.S. Government customers and prime contractors.
• Provide timely, accurate support for internal and external data calls, reporting requests, and other contract actions to meet program and customer deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and internal policies, including TINA and OCI requirements, while coordinating proper setup within Unanet.
• Proactively partner with program teams, finance, and customers to align funding, invoicing, execution, and scope management, ensuring milestones are achieved and risks are mitigated.
• Support financial, programmatic, and technical reviews, including Program Management Reviews, quarterly EAC reviews, and design reviews.
• Develop and support cost volumes in response to competitive solicitations, coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance, accuracy, and alignment with technical and management volumes.
• Provide clear, proactive contract interpretation and guidance to leaders, identifying risks, recommending mitigation strategies, and preparing senior management briefings on key issues.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or related discipline (Finance, Supply Chain, Accounting) with 5 years’ experience in contract negotiation, award, and administration; OR equivalent combination of education, training and experience in contract management in the DoD/Intelligence community (no degree + 9 years; AS + 7 years).
• Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills, with strong writing ability to craft clear, persuasive language that supports positions in negotiations.
• Majority of career spent in Aerospace & Defense Contracts organization.
• 20% travel required to AV or Customer facilities (depending on location, if remote).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Project, Outlook, Teams) and Adobe.
• Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, OTAs, and IDIQ vehicles, with broad experience across contract types including firm fixed price, cost-type, commercial/non-commercial, production, development, license, non-disclosure, and teaming agreements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US DoD security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or other advanced degree.
• Demonstrated experience interfacing directly with U.S. Government contracting officers and prime contractor counterparts.
• Knowledge of export compliance regulations (ITAR/EAR).
• Experience with Salesforce, Unanet, and Oracle Fusion (or similar ERP/CRM systems).
• Experience in pricing activities related to cost estimation, proposal development, Basis of Estimate (BOE) development, and cost/price analysis/justification.
• Experience managing and executing service contracts, including Contractor Logistics Support (CLS).
• Experience negotiating data rights (technical data and software deliverables), advising internal teams on IP strategy and compliance, and drafting, reviewing, and negotiating Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs).
• Experience supporting and responding to audit inquiries and requests from DCMA and DCAA, including coordination of documentation related to cost proposals, indirect rates, and contract compliance.
• Experience working with Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), both direct with the Government and through consortiums.
• Experience managing large Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts.
• International and commercial contract experience, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and/or Direct Commercial Sales.
• Critical thinker with sound judgment and awareness of when to escalate to leadership.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; trusted partner across diverse teams.
• Comfortable speaking up to raise concerns, share recommendations, and ensure contract risks and obligations are clearly understood.
• Independent, resourceful, and strong problem solver in managing competing priorities.
• Positive attitude with a collaborative mindset, contributing to a constructive and solutions-focused team culture.
• Eager to learn and curious, with a team-first mentality and the desire to grow alongside the Business Unit.
• Ability to obtain a Secret or higher Security clearance.
• Demonstrated business acumen with a record of innovative problem solving, and ability to build and maintain strong internal and external relationships with leadership, program, and functional teams.

Salary Range: $85 - $130k

The BlueHalo pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Determination of official compensation or salary relies on several factors including, but not limited to, level of position, job responsibilities, geographic location, scope of relevant work experience, educational background, certifications, contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, alignment with local internal equity as well as alignment with market data.

Our compensation package also includes components designed to support employees’ total well-being, which should be considered when evaluating our competitive benefits package. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, disability, company holiday and paid time off, parental leave, 401(k) company match and contributions, professional development/training reimbursements, and other work/life programs.