Manager III – Contracts

Job Description

Are you a visionary contracts leader who thrives at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and mission impact? Do you want your work to help shape the future of civil space, aviation, and scientific exploration?

BAE Systems SMS is seeking a dynamic and inspirational Head of Civil Space Contracts to lead the contracting function for our Civil Space Strategic Business Unit (SBU) — supporting programs that advance planetary science, climate research, space technology, national security, and next-generation capabilities.

This is a high-visibility leadership role with frequent engagement across executive leadership, government partners, and industry leaders — and one of six key direct reports to the VP of Contracts.

The Finance Strategic Capabilities Unit delivers the expertise and business acumen to increase value across the enterprise by providing actionable information with recommendations and opportunities to drive sustainable business growth.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and inspire a team of up to 10 contracting professionals (from entry-level to senior contract managers).
• Own the strategy, oversight, and management of the Civil Space SBU contracting organization.
• Shape acquisition and Request-for-Bid strategies and brief executive leadership.
• Partner directly with customers to support new market expansion and growth initiatives.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in contracting and procurement, negotiating complex business arrangements, pricing strategies, and challenging contract terms.
• Guide the SBU through compliance environments including FAR, DFARS, NASA FAR Supplement, Department of Commerce regulations, grants, cooperative agreements, OTAs, CSOs, and Space Act Agreements.
• Help expand international and commercial contracting opportunities.
• Drive contracting and financial performance metrics to maximize business effectiveness.
• Support programs spanning civil space and aviation systems, satellites, services, and R&D contracts.
• Work closely and daily with executive leadership across SMS and BAE Systems Corporate HQ, acting as a trusted business advisor to the VP/GM of Civil Space and VP of SMS Contracts.
• Build strong relationships with NASA, NOAA, NSF, FAA, DoW, Intelligence agencies, and industry peers.
• Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Short-Term Incentive: Subject to business performance and recommendations of management, this role may be eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• BS/BA in related field plus 12 years or more related experience.
• Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master’s Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
• Supervisory/leadership experience, including developing and motivating teams.
• 12years or more of progressively responsible experience in contracting, contract management, procurement, or acquisition.
• Experience in civil space, aviation, satellites, services, or R&D contracting. Government or industry experience with DoW/Defense, intelligence agencies, or science/space programs also applies.
• Deep familiarity with FAR/DFARS, NASA FAR Supplement, and grants/cooperative agreements.
• Experience supporting proposal development, pricing, negotiations, and acquisition strategy.
• Excellent communication, executive briefing, problem-solving, coalition-building, and collaboration skills.

#LI-LO1

A security clearance or access with Polygraph is not required to be eligible for this position. However, the applicant must be willing and eligible for submission, depending on program requirements, after an offer is accepted and must be able to maintain the applicable clearance/access.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Masters degree.
• Professional certifications (CPCM, DAU/FAI) — highly desired.
• Experience with OTAs, CSOs, Space Act Agreements, and international contracting.
• Active Secret clearance.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $135556 - $230444

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20 hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.


About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for government and commercial customers. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

Multiple positions may be available on this opening.

Salary : $135,556 - $230,444