Government Contracts Lead

Shift5 is redefining the future of onboard operational technology (OT). As a fast-growing scale-up, we specialize in cutting-edge cybersecurity, predictive maintenance, and compliance for OT systems across defense, aerospace, and rail. We are a team of passionate, innovative professionals who thrive in a collaborative environment, driven by a shared mission to revolutionize how fleets operate. By unlocking and democratizing the vast potential of onboard OT data, we help our customers’ fleets run smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Ready to be part of the next frontier in transportation and critical infrastructure? Come join us.

Our Values:

• Embrace Truth and Integrity: Base decisions on data, foster open dialogue, and uphold unwavering integrity.
• User-Centric Focus: Prioritize user needs to guide our actions and resource allocation.
• Collaborative & Adaptable: Collaborate for excellence, learning from failures and driving iterative improvements, recognizing every decision's significance.

We are seeking a highly motivated and results-driven Government Contracts Lead, reporting to our General Counsel, to spearhead our Government contracting efforts. This role will be responsible for overseeing and managing the full lifecycle of Government contracts, from proposals to post-award administration, with a strong emphasis on small and non-traditional business authorities, vehicles, and compliance matters. You will work closely with Legal, Finance, Research, Value Engineering and other departments to ensure the Shift5's success in securing and managing Government contracts.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and manage the company’s government contracts portfolio, ensuring successful execution, compliance, and performance.
• Prepare and oversee SBIR/STTR proposals (early-stage and Phase III), and proposals leveraging other non-traditional or FAR-based vehicles.
• Manage FAR-based, non-FAR, and various contract types, including FFP, T&M, and cost-reimbursable contracts.
• Oversee post-award activities, including deliverables, Government Furnished Property (GFP), and modifications.
• Develop government-compliant pricing strategies, including commercial pricing and DoD proposal adequacy checklists.
• Foster relationships with government stakeholders, partners, and industry leaders.
• Advise leadership on contract risks, compliance, and Intellectual Property (IP).

Required:

• Extensive experience with FAR-based and non-FAR contracts, including SBIR Phase III authority and other contracting vehicles.
• Expertise in managing FFP, T&M, and cost-type contracts (proposal development and post-award).
• Strong understanding of commercial and non-commercial pricing techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of post-award challenges for tech start-ups.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly.
• US Citizenship.
• Active (or ability to obtain) a US Government Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• NCMA (CFCM, CPCM), DAWIA, PMP, CCEA, CIPP, SBA 8(a), and/or FAR training.
• Experience working with or for small/non-traditional vendors.

Compensation & Benefits: 

• Base Salary: $150,000-$200,000
• Bonus program and equity in a fast-growing startup
• Competitive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Employer-paid Life and Disability Insurance 
• Uncapped paid time off policy 
• Flexible work & remote work policy 
• Tax-deferred public transit benefits with Metro SmartBenefits (DC/MD/VA)  

We are committed to building an inclusive culture of belonging that embraces the diversity of our people and represents the communities in which we work and the customers we serve. We know the happiest and highest performing teams include people with diverse perspectives and ways of solving problems. We strive to attract and retain talent from all backgrounds and create workplaces where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.   

Shift5 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, age, marital status, ancestry, projected veteran status, or any other protected group or class.