Principal Contracts Administrator

STR · Arlington, VA · Operations

Posted 2026-08-11

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STR is seeking a highly motivated candidate with federal contract management experience to join our growing Contracts & Supply Chain team as a Principal Contracts Administrator.  This role with lead contract strategy and execution across our diverse portfolio of DoD and Intelligence Community programs. You'll operate independently, providing expert guidance on proposals, negotiations, and compliance while partnering with senior leadership to drive business outcomes. This is a leadership role with significant strategic impact—your work directly enables mission-critical defense and intelligence capabilities. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives and have visibility across the enterprise.

What you will do:

Oversee full life‑cycle contract management across a diverse portfolio of government contracts, ensuring quality, compliance, and timely execution

Work closely with business, technical, and functional stakeholders to support business growth objectives and strong program performance

Develop and maintain effective external relationships with customers, primes, subcontractors, and suppliers to support program objectives and strengthen STR’s business partnerships

Review solicitation documentation and develop compliant, competitive business proposals in collaboration with Program Management and Finance, coordinating with Subcontracts and Purchasing as required

Advise management on contractual rights, obligations, and risks, and provide interpretation of terms and conditions as needed

Maintain official contract records, including contractual documents and customer correspondence, and respond to company data calls for assigned programs

Review, negotiate, and execute non-disclosure agreements, associate contractor agreements, teaming agreements, license agreements, and other related agreements

Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, other applicable regulatory requirements, and company policies and procedures

Provide strategic counsel to Program Managers and business leaders on contract strategy, risk, and negotiation approaches

Experience using AI‑enabled tools and a strong willingness to learn and apply AI to drive efficiency and improve quality and effectiveness in Contracts and Supply Chain processes

Collaborate with various departments (e.g., Program Management, Finance, Engineering, Operations) and with senior management and customer counterparts

Identify and drive process improvements within the Contracts function to enhance efficiency, compliance, and business outcomes

Mentor and develop junior Contracts staff

Who you are:

This position requires an Active Secret security clearance (TS/SCI eligibility is a PLUS), for which U.S. citizenship is needed by the U.S. Government.

Bachelor's degree and 7+ years of Federal government contracting experience with DoD and IC contracts (or Master's degree and 5+ years)

Expert knowledge of FAR/DFARS, contract law, and export control regulations (ITAR, EAR).  Proven ability to interpret and apply federal acquisition policies

Experience with multiple contract types (CPFF, FFP, T&M, IDIQ, OTA) and vehicles, teaming/NDAs/CRADAs/ACAs, and commercial terms including IP and data rights

Cross-functional experience with Program Management, Finance, Engineering, and Operations; ability to assess/communicate contractual risk and translate complex terms for business stakeholders

Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving balanced outcomes

You're a proactive problem-solver who thrives when managing competing priorities, with a proven track record of leadership and process improvement

Proficiency with MS Office and contract management systems

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $153,000 - $200,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.

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