Sr. Staff Contracts Manager

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Contracts Manager to join our team supporting defense simulation contracting operations. In this role, you will be responsible for the preparation, negotiation, and management of contracts and subcontracts to help ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and company policies. This position requires an individual with strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant regulations associated with defense contracts.

Support business development and customer growth by identifying appropriate contract vehicles; preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and executing customer contracts, nondisclosure agreements, memoranda of understanding, teaming agreements, statements of work, and other agreements; and preparing contract documentation for compliant proposals.

Support Supply Chain by providing guidance on and drafting and negotiating terms and conditions for subcontracts and supplier agreements.

Administer large and complex government contracts, including monitoring performance and compliance, managing modifications and amendments, and leading key negotiations.

Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters involving customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.

Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Program Management, and other internal teams to align transactions with Shield AI’s strategic objectives, address contractual issues, and resolve disputes.

Identify contractual and regulatory risks and coordinate with Legal and other compliance functions to ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable requirements.

Identify and assert appropriate rights in technical data and computer software in connection with government contracts.

Ensure timely and accurate reporting and maintain complete and organized records of contract-related activities and documentation. Manage subcontractor relationships and ensure subcontractor records are accurate, complete and in compliance with defense flow down requirements.

Issue subcontractor RFPs and conduct cost or price analysis, when applicable, to assess price reasonableness and support negotiations.

Coordinate and document subcontractor proposal evaluations with Program Management, technical personnel, and other stakeholders, as applicable.

Develop and maintain a small business subcontracting plan and monitor performance against the plan.

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Law, Contracts Management, or a related field.

8+ years of experience in contract management, preferably in a defense contracting environment providing cradle-to-grave contract administration support for CPAF, CPFF, FFP and T&M government contracts.

Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTAs, ITAR, and government procurement processes.

Experience negotiating complex terms and conditions of sale and purchase, and managing government contracts.

Exceptional communication and organizational skills and strong attention to detail.

Ability to work independently as well as support multiple stakeholders in a rapid pace environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Certification in Contracts Management (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, or similar)

Experience with software licensing and development contracts

Hybrid work environment with time at Shield AI’s local office and occasional travel to customer sites and other Shield AI offices outside of the local office area