Senior Contracts Manager

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.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in federal acquisition, strong FAR/DFARS knowledge, and a proven track record leading complex R&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.

Responsibilities and Duties

• 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.
• 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.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of complex agreements, including OTAs (10 U.S.C. § 4022) for R&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.
• Act as the primary interface with U.S. Government contracting officers, primes, and partners, building strong, credible external relationships.
• 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.
• Establish and scale contract management infrastructure, including templates, playbooks, policies, and processes appropriate for a high-growth technology company.
• 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.
• 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.
• Monitor contract performance and financial health, including deliverables, modifications, funding, invoicing, and cost allowability.
• Drive continuous improvement, leveraging CLM tools, automation, dashboards, and KPIs to enhance visibility, efficiency, and scalability.

Qualifications and Skills

• 10-15 years of progressive U.S. Government contracting experience, including significant exposure to DoD/DoW programs.
• Former 1102 experience preferred.
• Ability to track deliverables, cost, and schedule with program management.
• Experience with WAWF and PIEE.
• Must be able to be a self starter in a fast paced environment. 
• Experience with Commercial IP, Data Rights and End User License Agreements (EULA)
• Experience in a start-up or scale-up environment, with the ability to build processes from the ground up and operate effectively with ambiguity.
• Demonstrated leadership in cradle-to-grave contract ownershipDeep experience executing OTAs under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, particularly for R&D and prototype efforts.
• 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.
• Experience across a wide range of contract types (FFP, T&M, CPFF, OTA, IDIQ, GSA, subcontracts), with hands-on experience in GSA MAS and/or NASA SEWP strongly preferred.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk, compliance, and business objectives.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including experience interfacing with senior government officials.
• Highly organized, execution-focused, and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• U.S. Citizenship required; active Secret clearance strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Stock Options
• Unlimited PTO
• Health Insurance (includes dental & vision)
• Medical flex spending
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan - 401k with company match 
• Enhanced maternity & paternity leave

About Auterion

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.

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.