Principal Contract Administrator

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We’re looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we’ll support yours of expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field or an industry thought-leader. At Northrop Grumman, you’ll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems, Maritime/Land Systems & Sensors Division is seeking an experienced Principal Contract Administrator to join our Marine Systems Launcher Operating Unit located in Sunnyvale, CA, to support the Marine Logistics Support (MLS) program. The hired candidate will report to the MLS Contracts Manager and will be responsible for field/technical services labor, engineering, and material proposals and contracts with varying degree of complexity.

We are looking for a candidate who can work onsite at our Sunnyvale, CA, Annapolis, MD, Baltimore, MD, Sykesville, MD or Charlottesville, VA locations. This position offers a 9/80 schedule.  

Come join our team! You will be challenged and be a key leader for your program!

Responsibilities include the following:

Proposal Preparation and Negotiation (Pre-Contract)

• Review, analyze, and understand customer Requests for Proposal/Quotes (RFPs/RFQs), Statements of Work (SOW) and contract requirements and advise the program team on contractual terms and conditions and risk identification/mitigation strategies. 

• Examine estimates of material, equipment services, production costs, performance requirements, and delivery schedules to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Ensure company proposals are fully responsive to prospective customer requirements, prepare proposal submittal documents, and coordinate/complete appropriate levels of internal review and approval.

• Develop negotiation strategy through collaboration with internal stakeholders. Negotiate terms and conditions, cost/price/fee, and other requirements.

• Manage proposal fact-finding and negotiations between customer and program team.

Contract Administration and Closeout

• Oversee contract requirements including schedules and deliverables and complete contract actions to ensure satisfactory contract performance.

• Work with program and business management team to closely monitor contract funding, payments, and changes.

• Maintain and update contract files and records.

• Draft and submit correspondence, requests, and notifications to customers.

• Research contract issues to analyze and recommend solutions.

• Work cooperatively with the technical staff to address customer questions and requests.

• Initiate and complete actions related to contract closeout.

Overall

• Administer, negotiate, terminate, and close-out standard contracts (e.g., FFP, T&M) and nonstandard contracts (e.g., UCAs).

• Advise your program team of contractual rights and obligations on your assigned contracts, including interpretation of contract terms and conditions.

• Utilize and apply knowledge of FAR/DFARS and US Export Regulations.

• Effectively interface with internal stakeholders and customer counterparts via email, telephone, and in-person to complete and close proposal and/or contract actions.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum 4+ years experience in contracts, subcontracts, finance, or other business management related function; or a Master's degree or JD with a minimum of 2 years previous experience in contracts, subcontracts, finance, or other business management related function.

• Understand and apply Proposal and Contract principles, concepts, practices, and standards. Independently performs complex professional tasks.

• Ability to gather, organize and relay information and collaborate in a team environment.

• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and accomplish them simultaneously.

• Strong time management skills to handle time-sensitive projects and meet deadlines and commitments.

• Must have strong attention to detail and ability to organize and prioritize workload/actions independently.

• Proficient skills in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Knowledge and understanding of FAR/DFARS

• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using SAP or ERP systems.

• Recent experience as a Contracts Administrator in the defense industry.

• Experience reading and interpreting legal, contractual, and technical requirements.

• Demonstrated leadership, critical thinking, and ownership in past projects, roles, or experiences.

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

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action 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/AA 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.