Contract Administration Internship

About the role

Safran Defense & Space, Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1), headquartered in Bedford, NH, is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro‑optic and navigation systems, providing mission solutions for military and law‑enforcement personnel in a high‑paced, high‑energy environment that values individual and team success, community engagement, STEM education, and giving back to troops, veterans, and their families.

Position profile

The Contracts Administration Intern will assist with a variety of contract administration activities from establishing agreements, proposal preparation, process improvement initiatives, and terms and conditions review. This role offers hands‑on experience in end‑to‑end contract lifecycle management and close collaboration with Contracts, Program Management, Business Development, Operations, Finance, Quality, and other company functions, allowing interns to shape their summer experience toward areas of specific interest while gaining realistic exposure to a fast‑paced business environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Contracts team in creating, reviewing, and editing various types of agreements and contract documents, gaining hands‑on experience in end‑to‑end contract lifecycle management.
• Collaborate with the Contracts and Program Management teams to help compile, format, and organize documents for proposal submissions, ensuring alignment with company standards and customer specifications.
• Conduct preliminary analysis of contract terms and conditions under guidance, highlighting key areas for compliance review and risk assessment.
• Participate in ongoing initiatives to enhance departmental processes, such as workflow automation, documentation practices, and contract tracking methods.
• Work closely with Program Management, Business Development, Operations, Finance, and Quality departments to provide contracts‑related support, improving cross‑functional understanding.
• Help maintain accurate records and assist with reporting on contracts metrics, supporting decision‑making and tracking key performance indicators for the Contracts department.
• Gain familiarity with regulatory requirements and help ensure compliance with company and client policies, as well as relevant laws and regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be actively enrolled in a bachelor’s or advanced degree program and pursuing a major in business management/administration, contract administration, law, or a closely related field.
• Excellent verbal/written communication, writing, and editing skills.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to function professionally in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience with MS Office Suite and Visio programs.
• Ability to set and accomplish goals.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with individuals internally and externally at all levels.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident.

Preferred qualifications

• Previous internship experience in a related field.
• Internship experience with a Department of Defense contractor.
• Experience working in an ITAR environment.