Contracts Officer – Aerospace, Government and Defense

Internal Title: Contracts Officer – Aerospace, Government and Defense

External Title: Contracts Officer – Aerospace, Government and Defense

Job code: 087710A - US1

Level: P5.5 (Leader)

Location: Washington DC

NSA: Must be a US citizen and located in the US

ABOUT WIND RIVER

Wind River is a global leader in delivering software for mission-critical intelligent systems. For more than four decades, the company has been an innovator and pioneer, powering billions of systems that require the highest levels of security, safety, and reliability.

Wind River helps customers across automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, and telecommunications industries solve complex technology challenges on their journey toward the new intelligent machine economy. The company’s software powers generation after generation of the safest, most secure systems in the world.  Examples include playing a key role in NASA space missions such as Artemis I, the James Webb Space Telescope, and multiple Mars rovers. We’ve achieved recent 5G milestones including the world’s first successful 5G data session with Verizon and building one of the largest Open RAN networks in the world with Vodafone.

The company has received industry recognition for its technology innovation and leadership, and for its workplace culture, including global Great Place to Work certification and being named a “Top Workplace” for ten consecutive years. If you want to be part of a unique culture where the lived experience is based on our cultural attributes of growth mindset, customer-focus, and diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging, come join us and help advance the future software defined world.

Wind River Systems, a subsidiary of Aptiv PLC, is a California-based software company which develops embedded systems and cloud software consisting of real time operating systems (RTOS), industry-specific software, simulation technology, development tools and middleware.

This new business unit will re-sell Wind River products to be used by or for the U.S. government customers. These products may be delivered through the professional services organizations of Wind River Systems (case of unclassified programs) or via the Wind River business (in the case of classified programs).

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Wind River is a recognized leader in the Aerospace and Defense industry, providing state-of-the-art solutions to government agencies and defense contractors. We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to support our growing Aerospace and Defense Department. This individual will play a key role in managing and overseeing government contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and driving the successful negotiation and execution of contracts.

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts within the Aerospace and Defense sector, with a particular focus on government contracting. This role will require expertise in contract negotiation, compliance, and the interpretation of federal acquisition regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other applicable guidelines. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in government contracting, be detail-oriented, and possess excellent negotiation and communication skills.

ABOUT YOU

Responsibilities:

• Manage the entire lifecycle of government contracts, including preparation, negotiation, execution, administration, and closeout.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., legal, finance, sales, etc.) to ensure contracts meet company and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with government agencies and defense contractors for all contractual matters.
• Review and interpret government solicitations, contracts, and amendments to ensure compliance with applicable regulations (FAR, DFARS, ITAR, etc.).
• Lead contract negotiations, addressing terms and conditions, pricing, scope, and deliverables.
• Develop, draft, and maintain contract documentation, including proposals, modifications, and change orders.
• Monitor and manage contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual terms, deliverables, and milestones.
• Manage contract risk, identifying potential issues or non-compliance and providing recommendations to mitigate or resolve.
• Coordinate with project management teams to ensure contract terms align with project objectives and timelines.
• Advise internal teams on contract terms, compliance obligations, and risk management strategies.
• Prepare and deliver reports to management on contract status, key performance indicators (KPIs), and any compliance concerns.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of applicable federal and state regulations governing government contracting and industry standards.

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Contract Management, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of 14 years of experience in contract management, with a strong focus on government contracts in the Aerospace and Defense sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of government contracting principles, FAR, DFARS, and compliance requirements, particularly within the defense and aerospace industries.
• Proven experience managing contracts with federal agencies (e.g., Department of Defense, NASA) or major defense contractors.
• Strong understanding of cost-type, fixed-price, and time-and-material contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in contract negotiations, risk management, and resolving contract disputes.
• Ability to review and interpret complex contract language and provide guidance on legal and financial implications.

Skills:

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.
• Attention to detail, with a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with legal, finance, and operations teams to ensure contract alignment.
• Knowledge of contract management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Office, Oracle, SAP).
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with ITAR and EAR regulations and their impact on contracts.
• Experience with contract management in both the commercial and government sectors.
• Knowledge of international contracting, export controls, and security requirements.

• Active security clearance (e.g., Secret or Top Secret) is a plus.

COMPENSATION                

The annual base salary range for this role’s listed grade level is $144700 to $217100 plus a bonus for Washington, DC, residents. Salary ranges are determined through interviews and a review of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, location, and abilities of the applicant, and equity with other team members. Employees in this role are also eligible for the following benefits in accordance with the terms of the Company's plans: health, dental, vision insurance, life insurance, flex time off, eligibility to enroll in 401k, and 12 paid holidays

BENEFITS

• Named Top Workplace for the 8th year in a row
• Wind River’s commitment to DEIB
• 100% Employee covered Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance*
• Flexible Time Off policy* + 12 observed Holidays
• 401K with company match *
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) *
• Wellness Benefits through Unmind