Job Description
The Senior Principal Contracts Administrator is a highly experienced, strategically minded contracts professional responsible for independently managing complex, high-value U.S. Government contracts across the aerospace and defense portfolio. This role provides expert guidance to executive leadership, program management, and cross-functional teams on all aspects of contract formation, negotiation, administration, compliance, and closeout. The Senior Principal Contracts Administrator serves as a trusted advisor, applying deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and government contracting regulations to mitigate risk, ensure business system compliance, drive successful contract outcomes, and protect company interests. This role regularly interacts with senior internal and external stakeholders and is viewed as an expert practitioner within the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the full lifecycle of complex federal contracts, including competitive proposals, definitive agreements, IDIQs, OTAs, classified programs, and major modifications.
- Interpret, negotiate, and administer prime contracts, teaming agreements, and other contractual instruments, ensuring alignment with business strategy and regulatory requirements.
- Provide authoritative guidance on FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and government contracting regulations; advise leadership on policy updates and impacts.
- Assess proposal and contract risks, develop mitigation strategies, and support executive decision-making with clear, data-driven recommendations.
- Draft, negotiate, and manage contract changes including REAs, claims, equitable adjustments, and dispute resolution strategies.
- Ensure compliance with CPSR requirements and contractor business systems, including estimating, accounting, EVMS, purchasing, and property.
- Manage intellectual property, data rights, proprietary information, confidentiality agreements, and export compliance considerations.
- Serve as the primary customer interface with DoD, federal agencies, prime contractors, and other external stakeholders; maintain strong, trust-based relationships.
- Lead complex negotiations, including terms and conditions, pricing strategies, incentive structures, and major business agreements.
- Mentor and provide subject-matter guidance to junior contracts staff; contribute to the development of best practices, templates, and training materials.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Legal, Finance, Pricing, Program Management, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Engineering to support strategic business pursuits and ongoing program execution.
- Support internal and external audits, compliance reviews, and corrective action plans.
- Apply sound business judgment to evaluate contractual and regulatory risk, identify opportunities, and recommend strategic courses of action.
- Leverage AI tools and digital technologies to improve contract management efficiency, compliance tracking, and quality of contractual deliverables.
- Contribute to internal process improvement initiatives that strengthen governance, reduce cycle time, and enhance contractual outcomes.
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Law, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in U.S. Government contracting within aerospace, defense, or similar regulated industries.
- Deep expertise in FAR, DFARS, agency supplements, and government procurement regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex, high-value contracts independently and with minimal supervision.
- Proven success in negotiation of major agreements, contract modifications, and dispute resolutions.
- Strong analytical, financial, and business acumen with ability to develop strategic recommendations for senior leadership.
- Excellent communication skills, including executive-level briefings and customer interaction.
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
- Master’s degree in Business, Law, Public Administration, or related field.
- NCMA certifications (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM) or equivalent.
- Experience with classified programs, special contracting authorities, or advanced defense technologies.
- Working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and export compliance requirements.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled contract tools and digital transformation initiatives.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $82963 - $141036
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.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
