Contracts Manager

Contracts Manager Aerospace & Defense

We are seeking a seasoned Contracts Manager with deep expertise in government contracting and aerospace/defense programs. This role will lead the full contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and supporting strategic business initiatives across cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Draft, negotiate, and manage a variety of agreements including prime contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, and teaming agreements.
• Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure strict adherence to FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable federal acquisition regulations.
• Proposal & Bid Support
• Partner with business development and proposal teams to review RFPs/RFQs and contribute to compliant, competitive bid strategies.
• Risk Analysis & Mitigation
• Identify contractual risks and implement mitigation strategies, including flow-down provisions and indemnification clauses.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with legal, finance, procurement, and program management to align contract terms with business goals.
• Audit & Documentation
• Maintain accurate contract records and support internal and external audits with timely reporting and documentation.
• Process Optimization
• Develop and enhance contract templates, workflows, and training materials to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Client Engagement
• Serve as the primary point of contact for contract-related communications with government agencies and prime contractors.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in contracts management, preferably within aerospace and defense sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other federal acquisition regulations.
• Proven ability to redline and interpret complex legal language.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Comfortable interfacing with clients and government representatives.
• ITAR compliance experience.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Technical background in complex aerospace systems (beyond injection molding).

Preferred Experience

• Prior engagement with DoD, NASA, or other federal agencies.
• Project management and administrative support in contract environments.
• Familiarity with high-value, technically complex aerospace products.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pasadena, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2025.

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 double diamond 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.