Contracts Administrator

Job Title: Staff Contracts Administrator Job Description
The Staff Contracts Administrator supports day-to-day contract administration for a defense and maritime business that provides compressors, pumps, replacement components, overhaul services, and technical support for the U.S. Navys surface and submerged fleet. In this role, you review, negotiate, acknowledge, and administer customer orders, contracts, and modifications, ensuring that all contractual requirements are clearly communicated and properly maintained throughout the organization. You play a key role in contract validation, client communication, work authorization coordination, records management, government contract compliance, contract negotiations, audit support, and providing contractual guidance to cross-functional stakeholders. This is a high-impact position with exposure to complex government contracts and close collaboration with Program Management, Legal, Finance, Quality, Business Development, and Operations across multiple locations.
Responsibilities
- Review, validate, and acknowledge customer orders, contracts, and modifications to ensure accuracy and compliance with contractual requirements.
- Negotiate contract terms, purchase orders, modifications, nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), teaming agreements, and other contractual documents to protect the organizations interests and mitigate risk.
- Administer contracts throughout their lifecycle, including maintaining accurate and complete contractual records and documentation.
- Coordinate work authorizations and ensure that internal teams receive clear, timely direction based on contractual obligations and scope of work.
- Communicate effectively with clients and internal stakeholders to clarify requirements, resolve issues, and provide updates on contract status.
- Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements, government flow-downs, and other regulations associated with government contracts.
- Support government contract audits, including CAS, TINA, DCAA, and CPSR-related reviews, by providing accurate documentation and responding to audit inquiries.
- Provide contractual guidance to cross-functional stakeholders, including Program Management, Legal, Finance, Quality, Business Development, and Operations.
- Identify, assess, and mitigate contractual risks through careful review and negotiation of commercial and government terms and conditions.
- Assist in resolving contractual issues, disputes, and claims in a timely and professional manner.
- Contribute to process improvement initiatives related to contract administration, compliance, and negotiation practices.
- Manage multiple contracts and priorities in a fast-paced environment while meeting strict and emergent scheduling requirements.
- Apply knowledge of various government contract vehicles, such as FFP, T&M, and IDIQ, to structure and administer agreements appropriately.
- Use ERP platforms and office productivity tools to track contract data, generate reports, and support decision-making.
- Support complex contractual issues beyond transactional administration by leveraging deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting practices.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree or higher in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
- 5+ years of related contracts administration experience, preferably within Navy ship repair, Department of Defense, or technical services environments.
- Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS requirements and government flow-down obligations.
- Hands-on experience administering government contracts, including exposure to complex defense or maritime programs.
- Proven experience reviewing and negotiating contracts, purchase orders, modifications, NDAs, teaming agreements, and other contractual documents.
- Strong understanding of contract law with experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial and government terms and conditions.
- Familiarity with government contract vehicles such as Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Time and Materials (T&M), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), and similar structures.
- Working knowledge of ERP platforms, specifically Oracle, for contract and data management.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications for documentation, analysis, and communication.
- Understanding of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), DCAA, and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) audits.
- Ability to meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements for ITAR/EAR-controlled information.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex contractual concepts clearly.
- Excellent organization, problem-solving, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Eligibility to pass a background check and capability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship required for handling certain government and export-controlled information.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- CPCM (Certified Professional Contracts Manager) or CFCM (Certified Federal Contracts Manager) certification preferred.
- Experience working within Navy ship repair, defense, or technical services environments is highly beneficial.
- Experience supporting government contract compliance, including FAR/DFARS, CAS, TINA, DCAA, and CPSR requirements.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as Program Management, Legal, Finance, Quality, Business Development, and Operations.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and mitigate contractual risk through careful analysis and negotiation.
- Interest in process improvement and enhancing contract administration practices.
- Comfort working with complex government contracts and addressing non-routine, high-impact contractual issues.
Work Environment
This role operates in a defense and maritime environment that supports equipment and services for the U.S. Navys surface and submerged fleet. You work primarily in a contracts-focused office setting in Chula Vista, CA, with regular interaction across multiple locations. The position involves close, cross-functional collaboration with Program Management, Legal, Finance, Quality, Business Development, and Operations. The work environment is fast-paced, with multiple contractual priorities and strict or emergent scheduling requirements, requiring both independent contract ownership and team-based execution. The organization operates in a highly regulated setting with extensive government contracting requirements, FAR/DFARS compliance, and potential exposure to ITAR/EAR-controlled information. Employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement, and vacation and holiday programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chula Vista, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $50.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chula Vista, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Chula Vista,CA.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.