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Contracts Manager

Arlington, Virginia
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Job Overview

As a Contracts Manager at Saronic, you will be responsible for the management and oversight of DoD and federal contracts. You will partner closely with internal stakeholders (Programs, Finance, Legal, Proposals, Growth) and external counterparts to ensure compliant, and risk-aware contract execution. You will manage a portfolio of contracts, lead contracting strategy, interpret regulatory requirements, and drive best practices across the contract lifecycle. This position requires occasional travel to customer sites and various Saronic offices. The ideal candidate brings experience supporting shipbuilding, maritime systems, or undersea/surface/unmanned vehicle programs, with familiarity contracting in naval platform development and production environments.

Responsibilities

  • Manage contracts supporting shipbuilding programs, naval platform integration, or undersea/surface/unmanned maritime systems development and production.

  • Lead and manage the full contract lifecycle for DoD/federal contracts including: pre-award review (solicitation, RFPs), negotiation, award, modifications, performance monitoring, and close-out.

  • Interpret, review, and negotiate complex contract terms and conditions with a strong understanding of Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), FAR, DFARS and other federal procurement regulations.

  • Provide strategic contract advice and risk mitigation guidance to program leadership and BD teams-- ensuring contract terms align with corporate strategy, financial objectives, and compliance obligations.

  • Serve as the primary interface with government customers and Contracting/Agreement Officers.

  • Monitor contract performance and compliance: track contract deliverables, milestones, cost and schedule performance, change orders, invoices and acceptance/quality requirements; identify and escalate issues or noncompliance promptly.

  • Assist in business development by supporting capture teams with contract strategy, pricing considerations, terms & conditions review, proposal contract input and risk assessment.

  • Maintain awareness of changes in procurement regulations (OTA, FAR, DFARS, agency supplements) and recommend updates to contracting policies accordingly.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in related field. Master’s or MBA a plus.

  • Minimum of 5+ years of contract management experience within the DoD

  • Demonstrated working knowledge of contract types and federal acquisition regulations.

  • Proven track-record of contract negotiation, administration, modification, and close-out on multi-year DoD/federal contracts.

  • Robust knowledge of data rights and intellectual property issues in contractual agreements

  • Strong analytical and financial acumen-- ability to review cost/price proposals, change orders, assess risk, monitor contract performance.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to interface with senior leadership, government officials, subcontractors, and internal teams.

  • Self-starter with strong attention to detail, organization, ability to manage multiple complex contracts simultaneously, and drive results.

Physical Demands:

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

  • Occasional standing and walking within the office

  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment

  • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports

  • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies

  • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)

Benefits:

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.

About Saronic

Saronic

Saronic is one of the fastest-growing defense technology companies focused on autonomous maritime systems for the U.S. military. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company builds intelligent Autonomous Surface Vessels (ASVs) designed to improve maritime surveillance, operational reach, and force protection in contested environments. Saronic is helping modernize naval operations through AI-powered unmanned vessels capable of supporting missions ranging from reconnaissance and logistics to distributed maritime operations.

For job seekers, Saronic offers opportunities to work on some of the most advanced technologies in maritime defense, including autonomy, robotics, AI, naval architecture, software engineering, manufacturing, and mission operations. The company hires across mechanical engineering, embedded systems, autonomy software, marine design, production, and field testing—making it especially attractive to engineers, veterans, maritime professionals, and builders who want hands-on ownership of mission-critical systems.

Unlike traditional shipbuilders or legacy defense contractors, Saronic operates with a startup-style engineering culture centered around speed, rapid prototyping, and real-world deployment. Employees work closely across hardware, software, and field operations to design, test, and scale autonomous vessels faster than traditional defense timelines, giving team members direct exposure to high-impact products supporting national security missions.

As the U.S. military increases investment in autonomous naval systems and maritime modernization, Saronic continues to grow rapidly through major funding rounds, Navy contracts, and manufacturing expansion. For professionals seeking a high-growth defense company at the intersection of AI, robotics, and naval technology, Saronic is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting employers in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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