Contracts Manager

Job Description The Contracts Manager position requires complex thinking skills, with a deep understanding of contract management processes and regulations as they pertain to complex aerospace projects. As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross‑functional teams, including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be essential in evaluating contract performance, managing relationships, and ensuring the execution of agreements that support business goals.

The Contracts Manager develops the bid, capture and contract negotiation processes and documents, and then ensures efficient performance throughout the contract's lifecycle, supporting amendments and interpretations as necessary. Worker Type: Regular Position Responsibilities Work closely with Operations, the Contracts team and other functions including Sales, Strategy and Marketing, Finance, and the Legal team on bid and proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract review and administration for new and sustaining products and services. Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations, executing contract modifications, initiating contract close‑outs and providing overall contracts support to programs with complex, multi‑year contracts.

Draft, evaluate and negotiate various agreements such as Non‑Disclosure Agreements, Sales/Purchase Agreements, Subcontracts, Consulting Agreements, License Agreements, Master Agreements and other contractual agreements, including FAR based contracts, OTAs, etc. Ensure that agreements/terms and conditions comply with all applicable regulations and requirements while adhering to company policies. Manage and monitor the performance of long‑term contracts and agreements.

Summarize contractual obligations, commitments and performance for internal stakeholders and prepare recommendations and risk reviews for management. Coordinate flow‑downs of terms and conditions with all functional departments including program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain management, manufacturing, as required. Liaison with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit agencies; may lead internal and external audits.

Oversee maintenance of accurate files for each contract, including originals, correspondences, changes, deviations, amendments, clarifications, etc. Review uploaded contract data in business systems to ensure accuracy and completeness. Prepare reports and participate in status reviews for contract documents and validated data.

Other duties as assigned. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field, or equivalent education, training and experience. Minimum of 6‑8 years of experience performing similar duties in an aerospace/defense/government contracting environment.

Currently holds Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) with Full‑Scope Polygraph (FSP) security clearance. Expertise in Federal and International regulations and relevant legal concepts. Significant experience in internationally and DoD/Federal prime government contract administration/management.

Entrepreneurial focus and ability to thrive in a dynamic, technically focused environment. Demonstrated business acumen with a record of problem‑solving and innovative solutions. Ability to translate between business and technical risk and communicate clearly to leadership.

Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills. FAR/DFAR and OTA knowledge, and working knowledge of U.S. Government acquisition laws and regulations.

Broad experience with various contract types: firm fixed price, cost‑type, commercial/non‑commercial, production, development, and sustainment. Experience with license, non‑disclosure and teaming agreements. Applied knowledge of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements (e.g., FAR Part 15).

Excellent interpersonal, written, verbal and presentation skills. Collaborative work style that inspires confidence in co‑workers and customers. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification and advanced degree preferred.

Contributor to continuous improvement and implementation of company procedures and contract management processes. Ability to work across varying seniority levels, including staff, managers and external partners. Highly organized professional capable of business conduct at all times.

Demonstrated critical thinking, negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Process‑oriented, results‑ and deadline‑driven with a professional appearance and conduct. Familiarity with finance and accounting procedures.

Ability to excel in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment where small teams share a broad variety of duties. Strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives. Effective problem‑solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.

Physical Demands Work in an office environment (constant). Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent). Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend; hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.

May require travel to sites/programs and special functions. Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance Work in an office environment (constant). Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Special Requirements U.S. Citizenship required. Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.

Secret or TS clearance preferred; ability to obtain a clearance required. Clearance Level Top Secret with Polygraph Salary Range for This Role $116,500 – $164,850 ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and the EAR, or be approved for an export license.

The role requires U.S. Citizenship; certain positions may require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and paid holiday shutdown. For more information, visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits. About AV AV isn’t for everyone.

We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible.

As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI‑powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr.

Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. We encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us and consider applying—principals only.

No agencies please. Equal Opportunity Statement We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. welcomes all qualified applicants and will provide fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.

Additional ITAR and Clearance Reminder U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance, is desired. #J-18808-Ljbffr