Principal Contract Administrator

Job Description
Job Description
As a Principal Contract Administrator, you will lead the proposal, negotiation, and administration of complex proposal and contract activities within the defense sector, adhering to company policies, legal requirements, and customer requirements. This role is crucial in interpreting and communicating business commitments and alternatives to program teams and management.
The position requires extensive knowledge of government and commercial contracting methods, applicable laws, and regulations. You will have the opportunity to develop and maintain professional and dependable relationships with both internal and external customers.
Your responsibilities will include:
1. Maintaining an in-depth knowledge and working understanding of the US Government Acquisition and Procurement environment, particularly within the defense industry, BAE Systems Contracts function, and relevant company policies and procedures, commercial contracting methods, FAR/DFAR, export, and other government regulations.
2. Leading and supporting proposal activities, including analysis of solicitations, preparing summaries, developing strategies and recommendations, conducting overall business risk analysis, and preparing the proposal documents for submittal to the Customer.
3. Advising management of contractual rights and obligations, providing risk mitigation alternatives, and shaping business strategy.
4. Performing all aspects of assigned contract or purchase order processing, and coordinating with other company functions as required.
5. Leading or supporting fact-finding and other audit activities.
6. Participating in the final stages of assigned contracts, ensuring completion of all commitments and performing activities associated with contract closeout.
7. Being the primary point of contact between the Company and the Customer for all contractual matters on assigned contracts and projects.
8. Participating in the drafting and negotiation of various agreements, coordinating any legal reviews as appropriate on behalf of the business supported.
9. Regularly contributing to the development and implementation of new business methods, processes, and contracting concepts to achieve business unit and Contracts Department goals and objectives.
10. Taking on special assignments as required, including preparing contract summaries, performing cost or price analysis, and resolving complex business issues.
11. Maintain strict compliance with program security requirements.
In this role, you will be provided opportunities for continued learning and professional growth, with potential for advancement based on performance.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Required Skills and Education
- Bachelor's Degree and 6+ years of work experience or equivalent experience
- At least 6+ years with cradle-to-grave contracts experience in the area of Federal Government contracting, specifically within the defense industry.
Top Secret Clearance is required for position.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Skills and Education
In addition to the items listed above, the Essential Functions are:
- Ability to work effectively and efficiently without direct supervision
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in the performance of duties set forth above
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Proficiency in preparing reports and documents
- Sound decision-making skills, complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations
- Demonstrated research and presentation skills
Skills not required but considered a plus:
- NCMA certifications (a plus)
- Supply chain experience (a plus)
- Experience with Salesforce and/or Deltek Costpoint (a plus)
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $96470 - $164010
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At BAE Systems, we work hard every day to nurture an inclusive culture where employees are valued and feel like they belong. We are conscious of the need for all employees to see themselves reflected at every level of the company and know that in order to unlock the full potential of our workforce, everyone must feel confident being their best, most sincere self and be equipped to thrive. We provide impactful professional development experiences to our employees and invest in social impact partnerships to uplift communities and drive purposeful change. Here you will find significant opportunities to do meaningful work in an environment intentionally designed to be one where you will learn, grow and belong.