Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager

About Albany Engineered Composites (Aec):

Albany Engineered Composites (AEC) is a global leader in advanced composite design and manufacturing for aerospace and defense applications. With more than 50 years of innovation, AEC provides lightweight, high-performance composite structures for critical U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs, including the F-35 Lightning II, CH-53K Heavy-Lift Helicopter, and the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). Our mission is to deliver high-quality, cost-effective composite solutions in support of U.S. warfighters and national security priorities.

Position Overview

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for managing U.S. Government (USG) and DoD subcontract agreements, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, mitigating risk, and driving successful contract execution from proposal through closeout.

This role requires expertise in FAR/DFARS, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to serve as a trusted advisor to program leadership and senior management. The Contracts Manager will play a key role in proposal development, contract administration, and strategy for major defense programs.

Key Responsibilities

Proposal & Negotiation Support

• Analyze solicitations and contract modifications, identifying contractual terms, conditions, and business risks.
• Develop and review contract language to ensure compliance with company policy, FAR/DFARS, DoD and USG requirements.
• Prepare compliant proposals in coordination with program and functional teams.
• Lead or support negotiations with customers to secure favorable terms that protect company interests.

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Administer contracts throughout the lifecycle, from award through closeout.
• Ensure contracts accurately reflect negotiated terms, scope, and requirements.
• Monitor funding, performance obligations, delivery schedules, and reporting requirements.
• Manage contract modifications, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), and claims, including submittal and negotiation.
• Safeguard company proprietary information, technical data, and intellectual property rights.

Business Partnership & Leadership

• Serve as a subject matter expert on DoD and USG contracting for program leadership and management.
• Represent the company in direct contractual communication with customers, both written and verbal.
• Support financial reporting, including contract value management and quarterly reporting obligations.
• Mentor team members, drive process improvements, and promote contracting best practices.

Closeout & Records Management

• Lead contract closeout activities, including final deliverables, disposition of government property, and financial reconciliation.
• Maintain official contract files in compliance with FAR, DFARS, and company policy.

Qualifications

• Qualifications

  Working Conditions

  Physical Requirements

  Frequently operates a computer, enters data into systems, verifies information, etc.…
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive contract management experience supporting DoD and U.S. Government (USG) defense contracts.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and USG acquisition lifecycle.
• Proven ability to analyze risk, negotiate terms, and manage high-value defense contracts.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels and with DoD customers.
• Leadership capabilities, including mentoring, advising, or implementing best practices.
• Aerospace, defense, or DoD program contracting experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10% (domestic/international) as required.
• Primarily office-based, onsite office environment, with some remote flexibility as business allows.
• Standard M–F schedule; additional hours as needed to support business and program requirements.
• Domestic and limited international travel up to 10%.
• Occasionally positions self to move an office item >10 lbs.
• Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or training
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time
• As a Department of Defense Contractor, we are required to hire US Persons.
• Visa sponsorship is not being offered.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive contract management experience supporting DoD and U.S. Government (USG) defense contracts.
• Strong knowledge of FAR/DFARS and USG acquisition lifecycle.
• Proven ability to analyze risk, negotiate terms, and manage high-value defense contracts.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels and with DoD customers.
• Leadership capabilities, including mentoring, advising, or implementing best practices.
• Aerospace, defense, or DoD program contracting experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10% (domestic/international) as required.
• Primarily office-based, onsite office environment, with some remote flexibility as business allows.
• Standard M–F schedule; additional hours as needed to support business and program requirements.
• Domestic and limited international travel up to 10%.
• Occasionally positions self to move an office item >10 lbs.
• Frequently move about the production floor and office area to attend meetings or training
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 75% of the time