Senior Contracts Manager

US Citizenship Required – Active DoD Security Clearance Preferred – On-site in OKC – No visa support or C2C

About the Role

Long Wave Inc. (LWI) is seeking a strategic and experienced Senior Contracts Manager to support multiple divisions within the LWI Team. This position will lead contract management activities across our defense programs, overseeing the full contract lifecycle including proposal development, negotiation, administration, compliance, and risk management. The ideal candidate has deep knowledge of CFR, FAR, and DFARS, strong leadership capabilities, and experience guiding teams that support complex U.S. Government and international defense contracts.

Responsibilities

• Exercises appropriate signature authority, leads, and participates in negotiating and contracting for aerospace products, services, technologies, financing, and the licensing of intellectual property to support company strategies.
• Provides strategic leadership and direction for all contract functions across business units and programs.
• Applies contract law principles, working collaboratively with legal counsel to achieve successful outcomes.
• Leads the preparation, review, and negotiation of prime contracts, subcontracts, NDAs, and teaming agreements.
• Develops, implements, and maintains internal policies, procedures, and controls to ensure ongoing compliance with CFR requirements.
• Collaborates with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, Legal, and Engineering during proposal and execution phases.
• Represents the Contracts function in internal and external meetings, including customer discussions and program reviews.
• Oversees contract workflows and documentation to support timely approvals and audit readiness.
• Stays current on federal acquisition regulations and industry best practices to guide business decisions.
• Leads and develops a high-performing team that emphasizes accountability, responsiveness, and integrity.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Contract Management, Law, or related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in U.S. Government contract management, including 3 or more years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and contract types including CPFF, FFP, T&M, and OTA.
• Proven ability to manage complex negotiations and contractual risk.
• Experience managing contracts valued at over $100 million in support of DoD or federal programs.
• Strong communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance preferred or the ability to obtain one.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with international contracts or Foreign Military Sales.
• NCMA certification such as CPCM or CFCM.
• Background supporting proposals and competitive capture efforts.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and contract lifecycle management tools.

Work Conditions

Employee will work in an office environment and may be expected to travel up to 30%.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Educational assistance.
• Life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions.
• Paid Time Off.

Schedule

This position follows a 9/80 work schedule, allowing employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.