Contracts Manager - Aerospace & Defense

About Stress Engineering Services

Stress Engineering Services (SES) is an elite, one-of-a-kind engineering consulting firm, trusted for more than 50 years to solve the problems others can’t. Our reputation is built on an uncompromising commitment to technical excellence, a highly selective team of experts, and a track record of delivering answers in the most complex, high-stakes environments. We operate at the intersection of deep technical expertise and real-world application, partnering with clients across energy, aerospace, consumer products, medical, and beyond. Our teams combine advanced analysis with hands-on testing, failure analysis, and practical engineering judgment to deliver solutions that perform where it matters most—in the field.

As an employee-owned company, our people are personally invested in every outcome, creating a culture where accountability is high and excellence is the standard. We don’t just solve problems—we uncover root causes, mitigate risk, and deliver confidence. For our clients, that means a trusted partner known for rigor and results. For our people, it means joining an elite team tackling the most meaningful challenges in engineering. SES is where complex problems meet uncommon solutions—and where elite engineers come to do their best work.

Our Core Values

• We Over Me – We put the mission, our clients, and our team ahead of individual agendas
• Unyielding Pursuit of Excellence – Excellence is the standard. We deliver the right solution, on time, every time
• Own It – We take accountability to earn trust and deliver results

About the Role

This isn’t just a contracts role, it’s an opportunity to build and play a critical role within our growing Aerospace & Defense business. As Contracts Manager, you will define how Stress Engineering engages with some of the most important organizations in the world, including the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Energy (DoE), and NASA. Your work will directly influence mission success, enable business growth, and ensure successful execution of complex, high-stakes programs where compliance, rigor, and sound judgment are essential.

You won’t be stepping into a pre-defined box. You’ll be creating a playbook, shaping strategy, and building a scalable contracts organization that supports the long-term future of Stress Engineering’s aerospace and defense portfolio.

A Day in the Life

No two days look the same, and that’s exactly the point. You may start your day partnering with business development and program leaders to shape acquisition strategies for new opportunities. By mid-morning, you’re leading negotiations on a complex government contract, balancing risk, compliance, and business objectives. In the afternoon, you might advise senior leadership on FAR and DFARS strategy, navigate ITAR and export control requirements, or design processes that improve efficiency and consistency across the contract lifecycle. Throughout the day, you collaborate cross-functionally, mentor others, and serve as a trusted advisor to both internal stakeholders and external customers. Every decision you make helps build a stronger, smarter, and more competitive aerospace and defense business.

Why Join Stress Engineering

• High-autonomy, high-impact work where your decisions truly matter
• Direct influence on mission-critical programs and national priorities
• Collaboration with world-class engineers and technical experts
• Employee-owned culture that rewards initiative, accountability, and innovation
• A rare opportunity to build, shape, and lead a growing business function

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with FAR and DFARS
• 5+ years of contracts management experience
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Government procurement and contract lifecycle management
• Experience with multiple contract types (FFP, CPFF, T&M, and others)
• Proven negotiation skills and ability to influence outcomes
• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership or team management experience
• Aerospace and defense industry experience
• ITAR and export control experience
• Active Secret Clearance
• 10+ years of relevant experience

Benefits

• Competitive compensation aligned with experience and market benchmarks
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• A collaborative, inclusive, and technically challenging environment

At SES, curiosity is encouraged and technical depth is valued. You’ll work alongside some of the brightest engineers in the industry on challenges that truly matter, including technologies that enable safer, more reliable, and more sustainable energy systems.