Senior Principal Contract Administrator

About the Role

Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector is seeking a Senior Principal Contract Administrator – Level 4 in Dulles, VA. The role is 100 % onsite (no telecommute) and supports the SATCOM Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) program. The position requires a solid understanding of DCS and DoD contracting, strong communication skills, technology acumen in Microsoft 365, and excellent interpersonal and organizational abilities. The incumbent will act as a key advisor on contractual and operational matters and will work a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize proposal activities and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Identify contractual risks and mitigate them with appropriate contract provisions.
• Serve as a key business advisor to program managers on contractual and operational matters.
• Plan and execute complex contract negotiations, achieving targeted profit rates and favorable terms, including teaming agreements.
• Build and cultivate customer relationships despite geographical separation.
• Make timely decisions under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Offer guidance and collaborate with technical, program, finance, global supply chain, global mobility, and security organizations for seamless contract administration.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8 years of professional experience – or Master’s degree with 6 years – or PhD with 4 years; an additional 4+ years of experience may substitute for a degree.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Top‑Secret security clearance.
• Experience negotiating and administering various contract types.
• Understanding of government regulations such as FAR or DFAR.
• Experience negotiating and managing Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) contracts and associated terms with international customers/buyers.
• Working knowledge of commercial export licensing and controls, including the Export Administration Regulations and the Arms Export Control Act.

Preferred Qualifications

• In‑depth knowledge of FAR, DFAR, and UCC, with experience across different contract types.
• Experience supporting Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) and REAs.
• Extensive proposal support experience.
• NCMA certification (CPCM, CFCM, and/or CCCM).

Benefits

• Comprehensive Total Rewards package.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company‑paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and personal business.
• Annual and discretionary bonuses.
• Potential overtime and shift differential pay.
• Long‑term incentives for eligible senior positions.

Pay

Primary level salary range: $117,500 – $176,300. Base salary is determined by scope, responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and market conditions. Additional compensation may include overtime, shift differential, discretionary bonuses, annual bonuses, and long‑term incentives where applicable.

Schedule

9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. Position is fully onsite; telecommuting is not available.

Travel

Travel required approximately 10 % of the time.

Clearance

Top‑Secret clearance is required; candidates must be able to obtain and maintain this clearance.

Relocation Assistance

No relocation assistance is available.