Contracts Administrator

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence, and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients.  Kearfott is trusted, respected, and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.

We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class workforce. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected worldwide as a ‘full service’ provider.

For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com

Position Summary

The Contracts Administrator supports the administration and execution of U.S. Government, Department of Defense (DoD), and commercial aerospace contracts throughout the contract lifecycle. This role assists with contract review, documentation management, compliance monitoring, customer communications, and coordination of contractual activities across internal functional teams.

Working under the guidance of senior Contracts personnel, the Contracts Administrator helps ensure contractual obligations are understood, documented, and executed in accordance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Administration & Lifecycle Support

• Prepare, review, process, and maintain contractual documents including purchase orders, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), contract modifications, task orders, and related agreements.
• Conduct initial reviews of customer purchase orders and contractual documents to identify key requirements, risks, deliverables, and required approvals.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready contract files and records.
• Track contract deliverables, funding limitations, periods of performance, and contractual milestones.
• Assist with contract closeout activities and document retention requirements.

Contract Compliance

• Support compliance with contractual requirements, company policies, and applicable regulations.
• Apply working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements as applicable.
• Assist with contract clause review and flow-down requirements to suppliers and subcontractors.
• Support internal audits, customer requests, and compliance reviews by gathering required documentation.
• Communicate contractual obligations and requirements to internal stakeholders.

Proposal & Customer Support

• Review customer RFQs, RFPs, and purchase orders to identify contractual requirements and compliance considerations.
• Assist in preparing contract-related documentation required for proposals and customer submissions.
• Draft routine contractual correspondence and customer communications.
• Support contract negotiations through document preparation, redlining, and coordination with senior Contracts personnel.
• Serve as a point of contact for routine contract administration questions from customers and internal teams.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Partner with Program Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Operations, and Quality teams to support contract execution.
• Participate in program and customer meetings to communicate contract status, requirements, and action items.
• Escalate contractual issues, risks, or concerns to management when appropriate.

Data Management & Reporting

• Review and enter customer purchase orders into the ERP system, verifying that order details, contractual requirements, and customer specifications are accurately reflected.
• Maintain contract tracking tools, databases, and ERP records.
• Generate contract summaries, status reports, and other administrative reporting as required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to contracts processes, templates, and systems.

Planning & Decision-Making

• Work under general supervision while demonstrating increasing independence and accountability.
• Prioritize workload to support customer requirements, contractual obligations, and business objectives.
• Exercise sound judgment in identifying contractual issues, risks, and matters requiring management review or escalation.

Customer Relations

• Develop professional working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide responsive support to customer inquiries and contract-related requests.
• Participate in customer meetings and communications as needed.

Communication & Teamwork

• Demonstrates strong organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Collaborate effectively across multiple functional areas.
• Contribute to team objectives and supports department initiatives.
• Work independently while seeking guidance on complex contractual matters.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Contracts Management, Legal Studies, Supply Chain Management, Public Administration, or a related field.
• 1–3 years of experience in contracts administration, or an adjacent function such as procurement, program administration, or customer account support.
• Experience reviewing customer purchase orders, contract terms and conditions, and contractual documentation.
• Working knowledge of contract administration principles and contract lifecycle management.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP, business systems, or contract lifecycle management systems is preferred.
• Must be highly organized and thoroughly attentive to detail in all actions.
• A successful candidate will be energetic, outspoken, self-motivated, and constructive in his or her approach.
• Must have excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills and be able to communicate across all levels and functions of the organization.
• Must possess teamwork qualities.
• Must be able to function effectively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or government contracting environments.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARS and U.S. Government contracting concepts preferred.
• Familiarity with export compliance regulations, including ITAR and EAR.

Other Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New Jersey is $73,000 - $104,000 annually.  This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as the final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.

Additionally, we offer medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, tuition assistance, paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays, and a 9/80 work week with every other Friday off. Our work environment embraces our people as we enjoy monthly employee events that celebrate our workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans