Contract Subject Matter Expert

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The Contract Principal solves the hardest Contracting challenges for Draper, provides both internal and external customers with solution-oriented leadership and guidance and is focused on achieving the strategic objectives of the organization while balancing risk and regulatory compliance. This functional Subject Matter Expert negotiates, manages, and mentors others on highly complex and strategically important cradle-to-grave government contracts / prime subcontracts, ensuring consistency with customer requirements, compliance obligations and Draper policies and procedures. This role also interfaces with potential and current customers, supports capture and proposal opportunities, analyzes terms and conditions, negotiates agreements, monitors performance/compliance, manages changes, and readies contracts for closeout. Collaborates with cross-functional Program teams and senior leadership to meet annual objectives and support customer deliverables. The Contract Principal is routinely delegated authority and empowered to act independently as a functional representative or leader and our champion for special projects.

This position would support our Electronic Systems contract actions. Candidate would work with the ES team across multiple Government functions and Industry Partner contracts to support the ES business in both Research and Development, prototyping, and moving into production contracts. Candidate would need to be familiar with multiple contract types to include but not limited to, CPFF, FFP, T&M, OTA, and BOA contracts.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Comprehensive cradle-to-grave proactive, compliant contract management for complex contracts across the acquisition phases for DoD, National Security and/or other prime contractors within an assigned Business Area or in a unique role customized for the skillset of this highly capable functional SME

• Manage strategic aspects of internal and/or external customer relationships as an advocate for our function and corporation

• Independently develop compliant solutions to problems of unusual complexity that require a high degree of ingenuity, creativity, and innovation to collaboratively work across stakeholder and cross-functional program teams

• Be the focal point for contract performance while working within a matrixed program team environment, including: Capture and Proposal related support, review of terms and conditions and other contract requirements, analysis of subcontractor flow-downs, conduct robust proactive change management, monitor contract performance, resolve disputes in a timely and thorough manner, and ready for closeout prior to physical completion.Bring junior level and mid-career Contracts professionals into real-life scenarios to learn shoulder-to-shoulder to teach best practices and adherence to processes and contract requirements.

• Ability to develop sound business cases and analyze large volumes of data, while supporting complex long-term projects with strategic importance

• Comprehensive understanding of Draper Business Systems

• Best-in-industry written and verbal communication skills and presentation skills with comfort around higher level leaders and junior level Contract Representatives

• Mentor junior to mid-career Contracts professionals, as well as supervisors/managers to assist with knowledge transfer and improving functional bench strength

• Ability to perform any role within the organization, routinely delegated authority to act in a leadership capacity while providing bench-strength as needed across the Business Areas for additional functional support

Skills/Abilities

• A leader within the Contracts function with expert level knowledge of FAR/DFARS, regulatory compliance, government acquisition framework, industry best practices for Contracts processes, and a lifelong student of understanding industry trends and anticipating regulatory changes/impacts

• Highly effective in improving standard work processes and understanding the complexity of the contracts role in a cross-functional program team environment

• Expert level business acumen, gained from working in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities for a vast range of Contracts and customers within the Government Contracting industry, while being accountable for achieving annual operating plans and other corporate objectives

• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities, deadlines, and resolve contractual conflicts in a fast-paced environment

• Experience bidding, negotiating and managing a variety of contract types for Research and Development and Production Contracts consistent with sound business and financial principles

• Strong ability to effectively negotiate customer disputes and perform in a leadership capacity

• Experience implementing compliance plans based on Prime Contract terms and conditions including agency unique terms and conditions

• Significant expertise negotiating within an established negotiation strategy / parameters for approval and with Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Act requirements and certifications

• Demonstrated experience with license agreements and Intellectual Property terms for furthering the goals of a Business Area IP Strategy

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and ability to learn and continuously improve our use of systems, tools, policies and procedures

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field of study required; advanced degree preferred and can be considered in lieu of 2 years of experience.

• Professional Certifications (e.g. CFCM, CPCM, etc.) preferred

Experience

• 15+ years related experience in Contracts as a prime contractor and a subcontractor on a variety of contract types, contract vehicles and with different customers for programs across the acquisition lifecycle of all sizes, complexities and priorities; additional years of relevant cross-functional experience within the national security or aerospace and defense industry preferred

Additional Job Description:

Due to the nature of the work Draper does encourage applicants with fewer years’ experience to apply, as we may be able to adjust hiring title for anyone interested that does not meet all required and preferred skills and work history.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Reston

Job Location - State:

Virginia

Job Location - Postal Code:

20190

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$100,000.00 - $275,000.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.  Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.