Contract Administrator - Contract to Hire

Contract Administrator Location: Onsite – Waltham, MA Employment Type: Contract to Potential Perm Position Overview A growing defense‑focused organization is seeking a Contract Administrator to support cradle‑to‑grave management of U.S. Government contracts. This role involves drafting and negotiating pre‑award agreements, administering awarded contracts, advising internal teams on compliance and risk, and ensuring all contractual actions align with federal regulations and organizational goals. The ideal candidate brings experience from a federal contracting or defense environment and thrives in a fast‑paced, highly regulated setting. This position is open to candidates willing to relocate at their own expense, with preference for those able to transition quickly. Candidates with more than 10 years of experience will not be considered. Key Responsibilities Contract Formation & Negotiation
Prepare, review, and negotiate nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), teaming agreements (TAs), and other pre‑award documents.
Negotiate and finalize U.S. Government contract terms and conditions.
Interpret Government RFPs, identify contractual risks, and advise leadership accordingly.
Identify and apply mandatory FAR, DFARS, and agency‑specific flow‑down clauses. Post‑Award Contract Administration
Manage cradle‑to‑grave contract activities, including modifications, funding actions, deliverables, and reporting.
Support program management to ensure contract execution aligns with scope, schedule, and compliance requirements.
Administer a high volume of contract actions while maintaining accuracy and timeliness.
Communicate contract issues clearly and propose effective solutions. Cross‑Functional Support
Serve as an advisor to Supply Chain and Subcontracts teams.
Assist in tailoring subcontract templates to reflect unique prime contract requirements.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders across engineering, finance, program management, and compliance.
Support special projects and additional duties as assigned by management. Compliance & Documentation
Maintain accurate contract files and documentation in accordance with internal policies and audit standards.
Stay current on federal regulatory updates and agency supplements.
Ensure all contractual actions comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal procedures. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, Public Administration, or a related field.
3+ years of experience supporting T&M, FFP, and cost‑reimbursable contracts, including:
Proposal support
Contract development and negotiation
Flow‑down identification and documentation creation
Strong working knowledge of the FAR and willingness to research agency supplements (DFARS, NASA FAR, etc.).
Experience negotiating NDAs and teaming agreements.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for internal and external stakeholders.
Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills with the ability to propose creative solutions.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel. Ideal Candidate Profile
Background in federal contracting or defense environments (e.g., aerospace, military systems, government integrators).
Able to support multiple programs and internal customers simultaneously.
Thrives in a fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.
Strong collaborator with the ability to influence and guide cross‑functional teams.
Motivated, proactive, and committed to staying current on federal contracting regulations.