Contracts Specialist

Kaman Air Vehicles (KAV) is seeking a motivated Contracts Specialist I to join our team in Bloomfield, CT. This hybrid role supports the negotiation and administration of contracts of small to medium dollar value with government agencies and commercial customers.

Working under the limited direction of the Contracts Manager, the Contracts Specialist I partners cross-functionally to ensure contracts are negotiated, executed, and managed in compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and risk management standards.

Kaman Air Vehicles is an industry leader in rotorcraft systems, unmanned aircraft solutions, and precision aerospace components. Our team supports customers across defense and commercial markets with proven platforms like the K-MAX and leading-edge autonomous technologies. We are driven by engineering excellence, mission readiness, and a culture that encourages innovation, teamwork, and pride in supporting critical aviation missions. 

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate cross-functional activities related to proposals and contracts to achieve pricing, schedule, and contractual terms acceptable to the company.

• Support proposal development by gathering cost estimates, preparing submissions, and participating in negotiations.

• Justify projected labor rates, overhead burdens, labor hours, and material estimates during customer negotiations.

• Review purchase orders and contracts for compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and risk management standards.

• Issue Sales Orders outlining scope of work, delivery schedules, contractual terms, and internal responsibilities.

• Monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with all terms and conditions; negotiate contract changes and modifications as requested by customers or initiated by the company.

• Provide internal guidance on contract interpretation and contractual obligations; engage corporate legal counsel as needed.

• Maintain close communication with customers throughout the contract lifecycle.

• Review and negotiate Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

• Prepare periodic reports on funding status, delinquencies, sales order progress, and other contract metrics to keep management informed.

• Track and report internal key performance indicators (KPIs) as requested.

• Enter, maintain, and update contract and sales data in internal databases and systems.

• Communicate effectively with customers and internal stakeholders at all organizational levels.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support contracts and business operations.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.

• Degree in Business Administration or Accounting preferred.

Experience

• 3–5 years of progressive experience in contracts administration, purchasing, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience supporting contract negotiation and administration activities.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of contract administration principles and developing negotiation skills.

• Ability to analyze contract terms, identify risks, and recommend solutions.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively across functions and manage multiple priorities.

• Strong attention to detail with a results-oriented mindset.

Systems & Tools

• Experience with Salesforce software preferred.

• Experience with EPICOR ERP or similar systems a plus.

Benefits:

At Kaman Air Vehicles (KAV), we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

KAV is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Affirmative Action Employer.

This position requires using information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

(Actual placement within the salary range is dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to skills, education, experience and location)