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Salary: USD 108,000 - 135,000 / annual
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to support its Optical Systems business unit, based in Chantilly, VA (or Tucson, AZ). You will be responsible for contract administration and compliance across multiple U.S. Government and commercial contracts, ensuring Rocket Lab meets all contractual obligations and performance milestones.
Key responsibilities include:
- Negotiate and administer government contracts, commercial contracts, subcontracts, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and IP licenses
- Review, interpret, and provide advice on contract provisions and agreement types
- Analyze model contract terms and conditions for program and corporate implications; disseminate findings to internal stakeholders and leadership
- Serve as primary customer interface for contractual compliance matters, including changes, disputes, and requests for equitable adjustment
- Assist program and business development teams in proposal review and preparation for Government and commercial solicitations, as well as RFIs
- Create and maintain contract and business files
- Establish and maintain excellent relationships with Government and other customer counterparts, including internal customers and stakeholders
- Assist Accounts Receivable team in generating invoices and payments with Government and commercial customers
The role requires high levels of productivity, resourcefulness, and the ability to maintain focus and accuracy in a fast-paced environment. You will work with engineers, scientists, attorneys, and industry executives, and must be able to handle multiple priorities while working independently and creatively to solve problems.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required):
- Bachelor's degree
- 8+ years of contract administration and/or management experience in the Space and/or Aerospace & Defense industries
- Extensive knowledge of Government contracts and contract types, OTAs, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
- Extensive knowledge and experience negotiating commercial terms and conditions
- Experience managing DoD prime contracts and/or subcontracts supporting DoD programs
- Request for proposal (RFP) analysis and proposal preparation experience
- Must have or be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce (ITAR compliance)
QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred):
- Proficiency in out-of-the-box contracts (OTAs)
- Experience with Export Control, ITAR, and EAR
- Experience with financial, property, and governmental agency audits
- Experience with CLM systems like DocuSign
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented with team player attitude, high work ethic, and reliability
