SUMMARY
We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Contracts Administrator to manage a portfolio of government contracts. This position will be in the Mukilteo office. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. This role requires a good working knowledge of DoD contracts, FAR/DFARS compliance, contract negotiations, and lifecycle contract management. The Contracts Administrator will be responsible for the review, negotiation, and administration of various agreements. The successful candidate must have a good understanding of federal procurement regulations, the ability to assess contractual risks, and the capability to develop solutions that align with company objectives.
ABOUT US
Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement*
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Support cradle-to-grave administration of contracts, including the preparation, review, and negotiation of non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and subcontracts.
- Review, redline and negotiate contracts and purchase orders, ensure compliance with terms and conditions, and prepare appropriate flow-down clauses.
- Analyze RFPs, solicitations, cost volumes, and contract volumes for compliance with applicable FAR, DFARS, and DoD procurement regulations.
- Maintain comprehensive contract files for audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related matters, interacting with government contracting officers, prime contractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure adherence to contractual terms, the FAR, DFARs, Export control, deliverables, and compliance requirements throughout contract execution.
- Collaborate with internal departments to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and government regulations.
- Participate in cost and pricing reviews to ensure alignment with regulations and company policies.
- Monitor contract performance and compliance, identifying and mitigating risks as needed.
- Stay updated on regulatory changes and participate in ongoing training programs related to contracts and compliance
- Work closely with program management, accounting, and supply chain teams to meet contract deliverables and reporting requirements.
- Serve as a point of contact for customers on routine contract matters.
- Coordinate with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure compliance with contract terms and deliverables.
- Educate and advise internal teams on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- 10+ years of experience in contract administration, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry.
- Strong working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and various contract types (e.g., FFP, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, and OTAs).
- Experience with FFP & CPFF contract negotiations, CAS-covered contracts, and negotiations involving the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (formerly TINA), including certified cost or pricing data submissions and compliance.
- Higher level 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
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field, OR 12+ years of direct experience in federal procurement/acquisition (government or contractor side).
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working on contracts with major DoD agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.) and prime contractors.
- Contract experience in space, missile defense, or hypersonic programs.
- Secret or Higher Clearance
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.
Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of contract administration experience, preferably in aerospace and defense
- Strong working knowledge of FAR and DFARS
- Experience with various contract types (FFP, T&M, CPFF, CPAF, CPIF, OTAs)
- Experience with FFP & CPFF negotiations, CAS-covered contracts, Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act (TINA) compliance and certified cost or pricing data submissions
- Higher level knowledge of export control requirements (ITAR, EAR)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat
- Strong contract drafting, redlining, and negotiation skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple contracts with minimal supervision
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Business, Finance, Law, or related field OR 12+ years federal procurement/acquisition experience
- Experience working with DoD agencies (Army, Navy, Air Force) and prime contractors
- Contract experience in space, missile defense, or hypersonic programs
- Secret or higher security clearance
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
What We Do
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.
