Job Title: Contracts Manager Clearance RequiredJob DescriptionThe Contracts Manager oversees the full lifecycle of U.S. Government contracts, subcontracts, and related agreements supporting classified space and national security programs. This role leads and develops a team of Contract Administrators while managing all phases of contract administration from inception through completion. The Contracts Manager prepares, reviews, negotiates, and approves contractual documents to protect the organizations contractual posture, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, mitigate business risk, and support successful program execution. The position combines hands-on contract management with leadership responsibilities and serves as a key liaison between internal stakeholders and government, customer, and subcontractor representatives.Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, develop, and oversee the daily activities of assigned Contract Administrators, including workload management, employee development, performance management, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team.
- Coordinate the administration of assigned contracts, including negotiating, preparing, reviewing, approving, and terminating contractual documents to ensure protection of the organizations contractual posture and alignment with business objectives.
- Participate in solicitation review, proposal preparation, contract negotiations, and customer engagement activities to support successful contract acquisition and execution.
- Identify contractual and business risks, develop and recommend solutions, advise management regarding contractual rights and obligations, and provide clear interpretation of contract terms and conditions to support program objectives.
- Ensure the organizations proprietary interests are protected and that company policy is followed for processes such as the review chain for reports, papers, and articles.
- Review contracts, agreements, and related documentation to identify contractual risk, ensure compliance with applicable regulations and company policies, and recommend appropriate business positions.
- Serve as the primary contractual point of contact for assigned programs and represent the organization with customers, subcontractors, teammates, and U.S. Government representatives.
- Partner closely with Program Management, Business Development, Capture, Finance, and Legal teams to support new business pursuits and the successful execution and expansion of existing programs.
- Remain current on commercial and government laws, regulations, and practices affecting contracts and related agreements, and apply this knowledge to ongoing contract administration activities.
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain Contracts personnel while supporting employee engagement, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
- Maintain the confidentiality of classified, proprietary, and business-sensitive information at all times.
- Perform other contract-related duties as assigned to support program and organizational objectives.
Essential Skills
- Demonstrated expertise in U.S. Government contract administration, including full lifecycle contracts management from inception through completion.
- Proven leadership experience supervising, mentoring, or developing contracts professionals in a team environment.
- Extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and applicable FAR supplements, including the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
- Hands-on experience administering FAR-based contracts and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).
- Experience supporting classified U.S. Government contracts, preferably within space, aerospace, defense, or national security programs.
- Demonstrated ability to evaluate contractual risk and resolve complex business and contractual issues while protecting organizational interests.
- Ability to influence cross-functional decision-making and collaborate effectively with Program Management, Business Development, Capture, Finance, Legal, and other internal stakeholders.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate contractual positions and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels of the organization and to customers and government representatives.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Willingness and ability to travel as business needs require.
- Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Bachelors degree is preferred.
- Experience with proposal production and contract negotiation for complex government programs.
- Background in subcontractor management and coordination with teammates on large, multi-party contracts.
- Experience with Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) in the space, aerospace, defense, or national security sectors.
- Management experience leading contract administration teams, including developing and implementing best practices.
- Familiarity with high-reliability hardware programs, such as space systems, small satellites, flight computers, space-based optical communications, missile defense, or related NewSpace and defense technologies.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in reviewing and drafting contractual documents.
Work EnvironmentThis is an onsite role with a focus on supporting programs and teams located in Colorado, while also collaborating closely with colleagues in California and other locations. The Contracts Manager will provide on-the-ground leadership and support, enabling face-to-face conversations and close coordination with engineering, program, and business teams. The environment is highly collaborative and centered on cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies, including space systems, small satellites, flight computers, space-based optical communications, missile defense solutions, and other advanced NewSpace and national security applications. The organization operates with strong vertical integration across research and development, engineering, and manufacturing, allowing contract professionals to engage with projects from concept through deployment and see the direct impact of their work. Employees benefit from a 9/80 work schedule, working 80 hours over nine days with every other Friday off, which supports work-life balance while maintaining high performance. The total rewards package typically includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, retirement plans such as 401(k) and defined benefit pensions, and tuition reimbursement to support continued education and professional growth. The role requires working with classified and sensitive information in secure environments, adhering to all applicable security protocols and compliance requirements. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Denver, CO. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $180000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Working at General Atomics (GA)specifically through General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) near Denver (Englewood, CO)offers a mix of high-impact aerospace work, technical growth, and lifestyle perks.
Key Reasons to Work There
Cutting-Edge Technology: You get to work on first-of-a-kind hardware, including space systems and small satellites, flight computers, space-based optical communications, missile defense, and disruptive NewSpace/defense technologies.
The 9/80 Work Schedule: A major cultural highlight for many employees is the 9/80 schedule, which allows you to work 80 hours over 9 days and get every other Friday off.
Solid Benefits & Compensation: The company offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan, defined benefit pension plans, and tuition reimbursement for continued education.
Collaborative R&D Environment: GA operates with vertical integration (in-house R&D, engineering, and manufacturing), meaning you can see projects through from concept to deployment rather than getting lost in massive corporate bureaucracy.
National Security & Defense Mission: Many roles (such as space avionics and engineering positions) involve high-reliability hardware that directly supports defense, space exploration, and government customers, offering a strong sense of purpose if you like mission-driven work. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Denver, CO. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Denver,CO.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
