Contracts Specialist

Contracts Administrator

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Contracts Administrator to independently manage a diverse portfolio of government and commercial contracts throughout the full contract lifecycle. This role is ideal for a contracts professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, brings strong knowledge of federal acquisition regulations, and can confidently support both U.S. Government and commercial contracting activities. The successful candidate will serve as a key business partner to program teams, providing contract guidance, ensuring compliance, mitigating risk, and supporting critical programs from proposal development through contract closeout.

Key Responsibilities

- Administer contracts across the full cradle-to-grave lifecycle, including proposal support, contract award, performance management, modifications, funding administration, and closeout.
- Draft, review, negotiate, and execute a variety of commercial agreements, including subcontracts, consulting agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), purchase orders, and vendor agreements.
- Support the review, negotiation, and administration of U.S. Government prime contracts, with an emphasis on Department of Defense (DoD) contracting.
- Interpret contractual terms and conditions and provide guidance regarding contractual rights, obligations, risks, and compliance requirements.
- Support proposal development efforts, including responses to RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs.
- Review, process, and administer contract modifications, funding actions, scope changes, and period-of-performance adjustments.
- Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and other applicable regulations and contractual requirements.
- Track contract deliverables, deadlines, option periods, and key milestones.
- Maintain accurate contract records and documentation to support audits, compliance reviews, and internal reporting.
- Identify contractual risks and develop practical recommendations to support business objectives.
- Assist with the development and continuous improvement of contracts processes, policies, procedures, and compliance documentation.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior contracts personnel as needed.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Business, Contracts Management, Legal Studies, Finance, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in government contract administration.
- Strong experience supporting DoD and/or federal government contracts.
- Working knowledge of FAR and DFARS regulations.
- Experience with FAR Part 15 acquisitions and understanding of FAR Part 12 commercial acquisitions.
- Demonstrated experience administering: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts
- Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) contracts
- Contract modifications and funding actions

- Proven ability to manage contracts from proposal submission through closeout.
- Experience supporting responses to RFPs, RFQs, and RFIs.
- Experience negotiating and administering both government and commercial agreements.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- U.S. Citizenship required.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

- Active Secret Security Clearance.
- Aerospace and defense industry experience.
- Experience supporting research and development programs.
- Familiarity with SBIR/STTR contracts.
- Experience with Costpoint or similar ERP/contract management systems.
- Knowledge of ISO quality standards within a manufacturing environment.
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree or additional contracts-related certifications.

Why Join Us?

- Opportunity to support meaningful government and defense-related programs.
- High-visibility role with significant ownership and autonomy.
- Collaborative, team-oriented environment.
- Exposure to both commercial and government contracting.
- Opportunity for long-term professional growth within the contracts function.

Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $58.00/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 position based out of San Diego, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 27, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in San Diego,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.