Contract Specialist-Space Systems

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Top Secret Cleared Contracts Specialist to lead acquisition planning, contracting strategy, and contract management efforts within the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Space Surveillance & Reconnaissance (S&R) mission areas. This role requires expertise in contract negotiation, compliance, risk mitigation, and program oversight to support the U.S. Space Force (USSF). This position is in El Segundo, CA.

Specialist Responsibilities for Contracts:

• Provide expert advice to the Program Manager and Senior Space Force Leadership on acquisition strategies that leverage commercial innovations, non-traditional contract mechanisms (e.g., Other Transaction Authorities [OTAs], Commercial Solutions Openings [CSOs]), budgeting, and execution.
• Support the preparation of acquisition documentation, such as ESIS, ASP, ASD, J&A, Source Selection Strategies, and other strategy-specific deliverables.
• Collaborate with technical personnel and acquisition teams to design, refine, and evaluate statements of work (SOWs), data deliverable requirements, and contract deliverables, ensuring alignment with rapid acquisition practices and commercial engagement approaches.

Qualifications for Contracts Specialist:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 10 years of related experience.
• Federal contracting regulations and procurement procedures, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Innovative acquisition strategies, such as Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs), and other non-traditional contracting mechanisms.
• Contract management throughout the acquisition lifecycle, including pre-award activities (e.g., drafting solicitations, developing contracting strategies, proposal evaluations), post-award administration (e.g., contract modifications, oversight of deliverables), and closeout processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business administration, Contracts Management, or a related field.
• Professional certification in contracts management or project management (e.g., NCMA CPCM, DAWIA Level III in Contracting, or PMI PMP).
• Experience within the National Security Space domain, particularly in contracting activities or acquisition strategy development.

Compensation for Contracts Specialist:

· Pay Range: $130,000 - $170,000 (based on years of experience and education)

· Benefits: Cigna medical, dental, vision, 401k, 2+ weeks PTO and 11 Federal Holidays

*Please note this job is open for applications on 3/27/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.*

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