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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to support its Optical Systems business unit, based in Tucson, AZ or Chantilly, VA. This role is responsible for contract administration and compliance across multiple U.S. Government and commercial contracts, ensuring Rocket Lab meets contractual obligations and performance milestones in a fast-paced aerospace and defense environment.
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 and RFIs
- Create and maintain contract and business files
- Establish and maintain relationships with Government and commercial customer counterparts, including internal stakeholders
- Support Accounts Receivable team in generating invoices and managing payments with Government and commercial customers
The role requires high productivity, resourcefulness, and the ability to maintain focus and accuracy in a dynamic space industry environment. Candidates should be prepared for prolonged periods of computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
QUALIFICATIONS (Required):
- Bachelor's degree and 8+ years of contract administration and/or management experience in Space and/or Aerospace & Defense industries
- Extensive knowledge of Government contracts and contract types, OTAs, 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
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from U.S. Department of State and/or Commerce (ITAR compliance)
QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred):
- Proficiency with out-of-the-box contracts (OTAs)
- Experience with Export Control, ITAR, and EAR
- Experience with financial, property, and governmental agency audits
- Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems such as DocuSign
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities; ability to articulate contract compliance information to various management levels and program teams
- Proven ability to work independently in fast-paced environments
- Detail-oriented, team player with high work ethic and reliability
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, scientists, attorneys, and industry executives
- Self-starter who can influence stakeholders and manage multiple priorities in high-pressure situations
