Principal Contracts Administrator

Job Description
You don't see it, but it's there. Our employees work on the world's most advanced electronics - from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F-35 fighter jet. You'll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry's most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first - exemplified by our missions: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®" and "We Innovate For Those Who Move The World™." Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.

Join a dynamic Contracts team that supports the delivery of mission critical capabilities across a diverse portfolio of government and commercial customers. The Contracts organization is the trusted business partner managing customer relationships, negotiating deals, creating innovative solutions, and providing regulatory knowledge to our customers. We are committed to employee growth and development, allowing employees to build a long-term career at BAE Systems. In addition to challenging day to day assignments, employees are encouraged to pursue special projects, participate in formal and informal mentoring programs and networking events, and rotate into different roles with increasing levels of responsibility. Contracts employees are provided opportunities for promotion and relocation to other business units within the U.S. and overseas. BAE Systems also provides employees with opportunities to engage with and positively impact the internal and external community in which we work.

With our historic growth and position as one of the world's largest Aerospace, Defense and Security Companies, we look to recruit and retain the best and brightest. Taking care of the Contracts team by offering daily flextime, every other Friday off, hybrid options, relocation assistance and competitive salary/benefits keeps our team engaged and motivated.

We view culture as one of our most critical competitive advantages. Contracts employees come to work every day because of our strong culture and passion for our significant role in the success in the success of the business. Our Cultural Principles are:

• Engage everyone with respect and goodwill
• Stay calm independent of circumstances
• Be humble and work collaboratively
• Feel empowered to do the right thing
• Listen, be curious, and allow differences to influence our decisions

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
BAE Systems' Space Systems business is seeking a Principal Contracts Administrator in Merrimack, NH. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate expertise in U.S. Government contracting, with a focus on partnering with the Government and other primes through subcontract arrangements. Act as the Contracts lead for multiple programs.
• Stay current on the changing acquisition environment and BAE policies; maintain working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, prime contract flow - downs, IP/data rights, OCI, and TINA requirements.
• Lead proposals: interpret solicitations, shape T&C positions, minimize risk, and support independent reviews.
• Set negotiation strategy and financial requirements; negotiate complex agreements; execute within the Delegation of Authority (DOA).
• Administer contracts/POs: order entry accuracy, funding, scope/mods, schedules, and compliance.
• Maintain records per contract and company requirements.
• Report status via clear contract summaries and recommendations.
• Build relationships with customer counterparts, as the primary contracting interface.
• Close out contracts: confirm completion and perform closeout tasks.
• Solve complex issues with innovative, compliant solutions.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field.
• 6 years of U.S. Government/Defense contracting experience with increasing responsibility.
• Currently possesses a TS clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.
• Strong team players who enjoy working with program management and other functional disciplines in a supportive and complementary manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to make decisions using sound judgment while complying with policies, procedures, appropriate principles and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of, and experience with, FAR and DFARS.
• Computer skills to maintain contract records within our business systems as well as demonstrated research and presentation skills.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Master's degree or professional certifications (e.g., CPCM/CFCM).
• Classified contracting managing various USG and prime customers on different secure networks.
• Experience with Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and special-purpose agreements (e.g., Teaming Agreements, IP licensing agreements, MOUs).
• Experience managing various USG and prime contract customers.
• Experience with space programs out of DoD or the Intelligence Community.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $101398 - $172377

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, Inc.
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.

Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.

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.