Senior Contracts Manager

<p>We are seeking a Senior Contracts Manager to lead and scale our U.S. Government contracting function, with primary responsibility for contracts with the Department of Defense (DoD/DoW) and other federal agencies. This is a high-impact, strategic role suited to a commercially minded leader who thrives in a fast-paced start-up/scale-up environment and can operate with autonomy while building structure.</p> <p>The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in federal acquisition, strong FAR/DFARS knowledge, and a proven track record leading complex R&amp;D, prototype, and commercial contracting strategies—including Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. You will act as a trusted advisor to leadership, balancing compliance with speed and growth.</p> <p><strong>Responsibilities and Duties</strong></p> <ul> <li>Own and lead the full contract lifecycle (cradle-to-grave) for DoD/DoW and broader U.S. Government programs, from capture and pre-award strategy through execution, administration, and close-out.</li> <li>Serve as the senior contractual authority and advisor, partnering with executive leadership, Business Development, and Capture to shape contracting strategy, pricing approaches, and deal structures aligned with company growth objectives.</li> <li>Lead the negotiation and execution of complex agreements, including OTAs (10 U.S.C. § 4022) for R&amp;D and prototype programs, IDIQs and task orders, GSA MAS and NASA SEWP orders, as well as prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and broader commercial and strategic partnership agreements.</li> <li>Act as the primary interface with U.S. Government contracting officers, primes, and partners, building strong, credible external relationships.</li> <li>Interpret and advise on solicitations and awards (RFPs, RFIs, BAAs, etc.), identifying risks, compliance obligations, and competitive positioning; provide clear, actionable guidance to internal stakeholders.</li> <li>Establish and scale contract management infrastructure, including templates, playbooks, policies, and processes appropriate for a high-growth technology company.</li> <li>Drive cross-functional alignment across Engineering, Product, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and Security to ensure contracts reflect technical realities, IP strategy, data rights, export controls, and funding constraints.</li> <li>Ensure and embed compliance with all applicable regulations (FAR, DFARS, ITAR/EAR, NIST SP 800-171/CMMC, supply chain requirements), while enabling speed and flexibility required in a start-up/scale-up environment.</li> <li>Monitor contract performance and financial health, including deliverables, modifications, funding, invoicing, and cost allowability.</li> <li>Drive continuous improvement, leveraging CLM tools, automation, dashboards, and KPIs to enhance visibility, efficiency, and scalability.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Qualifications and Skills</strong></p> <ul> <li>10-15 years of progressive U.S. Government contracting experience, including significant exposure to DoD/DoW programs.</li> <li>Former 1102 experience preferred.</li> <li>Ability to track deliverables, cost, and schedule with program management.</li> <li>Experience with WAWF and PIEE.</li> <li>Must be able to be a self starter in a fast paced environment.&nbsp;</li> <li>Experience with Commercial IP, Data Rights and End User License Agreements (EULA)</li> <li>Experience in a start-up or scale-up environment, with the ability to build processes from the ground up and operate effectively with ambiguity.</li> <li>Demonstrated leadership in cradle-to-grave contract ownershipDeep experience executing OTAs under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, particularly for R&amp;D and prototype efforts.</li> <li>Expert knowledge of FAR/DFARS, with strong working knowledge of NIST cybersecurity requirements (800-171, CMMC), ITAR/EAR export controls, supply chain and flow-down requirements, and audit, compliance, and contract close-out processes.</li> <li>Experience across a wide range of contract types (FFP, T&amp;M, CPFF, OTA, IDIQ, GSA, subcontracts), with hands-on experience in GSA MAS and/or NASA SEWP strongly preferred.</li> <li>Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk, compliance, and business objectives.</li> <li>Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including experience interfacing with senior government officials.</li> <li>Highly organized, execution-focused, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.</li> <li>U.S. Citizenship required; active Secret clearance strongly preferred.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Benefits</strong></p> <ul> <li>Flexible working hours</li> <li>Stock Options</li> <li>Unlimited PTO</li> <li>Health Insurance (includes dental &amp; vision)</li> <li>Medical flex spending</li> <li>Life Insurance</li> <li>Retirement Plan - 401k with company match&nbsp;</li> <li>Enhanced maternity &amp; paternity leave</li> </ul> <p><strong>About Auterion</strong></p> <p>We are building the leading software platform for AI-powered autonomous systems for enterprise and government customers. Our team is supporting the most important missions and solving the most challenging problems.</p> <p>At Auterion, we bring together the sharpest minds who love to solve the hardest problems. Join a vibrant team built on innovation, openness, and excellence, where you’ll be empowered to develop ideas, collaborate across all levels, and make an impact that matters.</p>