Contracts Manager

Ultra Maritime · United States

Protecting What Matters. Powering the Future of Naval Technology. Your work here has global impact. From developing sonar and radar systems to advancing unmanned and undersea platforms, our technologies empower the U.S. Navy and allied forces to operate in some of the world’s most complex environments. As the maritime and underwater battlespace evolves, we continue to push boundaries—driven by innovation, accountability, and a shared commitment to excellence. Join us as we shape the future of naval warfare—safeguarding the seas and strengthening navies worldwide. Nationality Requirements Due to the nature of the programs we support, certain roles may require candidates to meet U.S. nationality requirements and be eligible to obtain a security clearance. Position Summary Ultra Maritime is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to independently manage the full lifecycle of complex U.S. Government and defense-related contracts. This role is highly customer-facing, requiring direct interaction with U.S. Government customers and/or prime contractors. The ideal candidate is a self-directed professional with strong judgment, deep knowledge of FAR and DFARS, and the ability to negotiate, communicate, and present effectively at all levels of the organization and with external customers. Job Description Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage the full contract lifecycle, including proposal support, negotiation of terms and conditions, contract administration, modifications, and closeout.
• Serve as the primary contracts interface with external customers, including U.S. Government contracting personnel and prime contractor customers.
• Lead and execute negotiations to achieve favorable business outcomes while ensuring regulatory and contractual compliance.
• Advise internal stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations, risks, and mitigation strategies.
• Review, draft, and negotiate prime contracts, subcontracts, modifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, REAs, and claims.
• Interpret and apply FAR, DFARS, and applicable agency supplements.
• Support proposal development, including RFP/RFQ review, compliance matrices, and contractual volumes.
• Identify contractual risks and communicate clear recommendations to leadership.
• Prepare and deliver written materials and presentations for internal leadership and customers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of contracts policies and procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 8+ years of progressive contracts experience supporting U.S. Government and/or defense programs in a customer-facing role.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of FAR and DFARS.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills and business judgment.

• Experience working for a large or mid-tier DoD prime contractor.
• Experience with cost-type, T&M, and fixed-price contracts.

• Independent decision-making and accountability
• Customer-facing professionalism
• Strategic thinking and risk management
• Executive-level communication and presence
• Attention to detail with business awareness