Manage complex defense contracts and subcontracts from preparation through administration, negotiation, modification, and closeout. Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and company policies; advise business development and supply chain; assess contractual and regulatory risks; manage government contract reporting and records; negotiate supplier terms; evaluate subcontractor proposals; protect technical data and software rights; and maintain small business subcontracting plans.
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly motivated Contracts Manager to join our team supporting defense simulation contracting operations. In this role, you will be responsible for the preparation, negotiation, and management of contracts and subcontracts to help ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and company policies. This position requires an individual with strong knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant regulations associated with defense contracts.
What you'll do:
- Support business development and customer growth by identifying appropriate contract vehicles; preparing, reviewing, negotiating, and executing customer contracts, nondisclosure agreements, memoranda of understanding, teaming agreements, statements of work, and other agreements; and preparing contract documentation for compliant proposals.
- Support Supply Chain by providing guidance on and drafting and negotiating terms and conditions for subcontracts and supplier agreements.
- Administer large and complex government contracts, including monitoring performance and compliance, managing modifications and amendments, and leading key negotiations.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for contractual matters involving customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Program Management, and other internal teams to align transactions with Shield AI’s strategic objectives, address contractual issues, and resolve disputes.
- Identify contractual and regulatory risks and coordinate with Legal and other compliance functions to ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and other applicable requirements.
- Identify and assert appropriate rights in technical data and computer software in connection with government contracts.
- Ensure timely and accurate reporting and maintain complete and organized records of contract-related activities and documentation. Manage subcontractor relationships and ensure subcontractor records are accurate, complete and in compliance with defense flow down requirements.
- Issue subcontractor RFPs and conduct cost or price analysis, when applicable, to assess price reasonableness and support negotiations.
- Coordinate and document subcontractor proposal evaluations with Program Management, technical personnel, and other stakeholders, as applicable.
- Develop and maintain a small business subcontracting plan and monitor performance against the plan.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Law, Contracts Management, or a related field.
- 8+ years of experience in contract management, preferably in a defense contracting environment providing cradle-to-grave contract administration support for CPAF, CPFF, FFP and T&M government contracts.
- Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, OTAs, ITAR, and government procurement processes.
- Experience negotiating complex terms and conditions of sale and purchase, and managing government contracts.
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently as well as support multiple stakeholders in a rapid pace environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Preferred qualifications:
- Certification in Contracts Management (e.g., CPCM, CFCM, or similar)
- Experience with software licensing and development contracts
Work environment:
- Hybrid work environment with time at Shield AI’s local office and occasional travel to customer sites and other Shield AI offices outside of the local office area
#LI-ML2
#LF
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead systems engineering for a next-generation unmanned aircraft system. Responsibilities include defining system architecture, behaviors, requirements, interfaces, fault responses, and traceability; integrating avionics, autonomy, propulsion, sensors, and mission systems; conducting MBSE modeling, trade studies, safety analyses, flight testing, and performance validation; and coordinating cross-functional teams, DoD stakeholders, and government partners through development and operational deployment.
Top Skills:
Ai-Driven Flight ControlAutonomy SystemsAvionicsCameoDoorsElectronic WarfareFaa Airworthiness StandardsGovernment Reference ArchitecturesIsrMbseMil-StdMosaSysmlUas
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Provides enterprise end-user IT support, endpoint administration, infrastructure maintenance, and asset lifecycle management. Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux systems; hardware, software, mobile devices, conference-room technology, user accounts, permissions, endpoint security, and IT assets. Maintains documentation, licensing records, and service tickets while resolving incidents and collaborating with infrastructure, network, and security teams. The role includes executive and board-facing support, occasional after-hours work, and requires strong troubleshooting, communication, and organizational skills.
Top Skills:
Active DirectoryBashCloud TechnologiesDhcpDnsJAMFJira Service ManagementLinuxmacOSMicrosoft 365Microsoft Entra IdMicrosoft IntunePowershellServicenowSnipe-ItTcp/IpVirtualizationVpnWindows
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Deploy and integrate Shield AIs Hivemind autonomy software with customers worldwide. Provide on-site technical support, training, debugging, and documentation. Collaborate with sales and product engineering to support pre- and post-sales activities and improve autonomy products.
Top Skills:
APIsCC++HivemindPythonRustSdk
What you need to know about the Seattle Tech Scene
Home to tech titans like Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle punches far above its weight in innovation. But its surrounding mountains, sprinkled with world-famous hiking trails and climbing routes, make the city a destination for outdoorsy types as well. Established as a logging town before shifting to shipbuilding and logistics, the Emerald City is now known for its contributions to aerospace, software, biotech and cloud computing. And its status as a thriving tech ecosystem is attracting out-of-town companies looking to establish new tech and engineering hubs.
Key Facts About Seattle Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 287,000; 13% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, software, biotechnology, game development
- Funding Landscape: $3.1 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Madrona, Fuse, Tola, Maveron
- Research Centers and Universities: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Allen Institute for Brain Science, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle Children’s Research Institute

