Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems Sector is looking for you to join our team as a Senior Principal Contracts Administrator based out of San Diego, CA. This position is for on-site/in-office every day and offers a 9/80 schedule.
What You’ll Get to Do:
The Senior Principal Contract Administrator will report to the DCS OU Contract Manager and provide Contracts support for various contracts within the DCS OU. The DCS OU is part of the CNS BU within the NIC Division and is focused on providing innovative solutions to problems and growing the business for the BU.
The Senior Principal Contract Administrator will be considered a key focal point on contract matters within the organization and must demonstrate the skill and ability to perform complex tasks. As most assignments are complex, the position will require the candidate to work independently without appreciable direction.
This position will require excellent oral and written communication skills and will represent the organization as a focal point on contract matters. This position will require interaction with senior internal and external personnel on significant matters often requiring coordination between organizations and may develop and deliver presentations.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead and coordinate the company response to customer Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to understand Statements of Work (SOW)/contract requirements and advise the program team on risk identification and mitigation strategies
- Ensure company proposals are fully responsive to prospective customer requirements, prepare proposal submittal documents, and coordinate appropriate levels of internal review and approval. Coordinate and develop responses to fact-finding, evaluation notices, and requests for information (RFIs), to bolster priorities, strengthen support for the proposal, and also identify customer key items or concerns
- Develop and execute negotiation strategy/plan to establish a framework to arrive at the most beneficial agreement possible between Northrop Grumman and the customer
- Maintain excellent working relationships with customers to effectively communicate, administer, modify, negotiate and terminate standard and nonstandard contractual agreements
- Oversee contract performance including schedules and deliverables and complete actions to ensure satisfactory program performance
- Advise program teams of contractual rights and obligations, including interpretation of contract terms and conditions
- Maintain and update contract documents and official program records, including contractual documents and correspondence
- Provide direct contract support, review contractual documents to ensure protection of company's contractual/risk posture, satisfaction of contractual requirements and adherence to company policies
- Research contract issues and prepare analysis with citations
- Work cooperatively with the technical staff to address customer requests
The successful candidate will have experience handling multiple tasks concurrently with a sense of urgency.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of related professional experience - OR - a Master's degree with 6 years of related professional experience
- Experience with FAR/DFARS
- Experience working with various contract types such as Time & Material, Cost types, Firm Fixed Price, Other Transactions, etc.
- Experience working with proposal development and negotiations
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- The ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret level security clearance is required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in U.S. Government Department of War contract administration & management
- Experience working independently and collaborating with stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Experience briefing internal and external customers
- Experience with the SAP Sales & Distribution Module
- A current/active US Government Secret level security clearance.
What We Can Offer You –
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Primary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of related professional experience, or a master’s degree with 6 years of related professional experience
- Experience with FAR and DFARS
- Experience with Time and Material, Cost, Firm Fixed Price, and Other Transactions contract types
- Experience with proposal development and negotiations
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance
- Experience in U.S. Government Department of War contract administration and management
- Experience working independently and collaborating with stakeholders and subject matter experts
- Experience briefing internal and external customers
- Experience with the SAP Sales and Distribution Module
- Current or active U.S. Government Secret security clearance
Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.
Northrop Grumman Insights
What We Do
We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.





