Senior Contracts Specialist

Safran Optics 1 is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optics 1 provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel. The company also offers solutions for commercial, aerospace, industrial, medical and research industries. Optics 1’s product portfolio includes devices and modules for surveillance and reconnaissance missions for dismounted soldier, airborne, naval and land vehicle operations. Optics 1 designs, develops, and manufactures products at its headquarters in Bedford, New Hampshire. The company also has additional research and development and engineering capabilities in Simi Valley and Costa Mesa, California. As part of the Safran Group, Optics 1 is also proud to provide capabilities from Safran Vectronix and Safran Electronics and Defense.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proactively manage various contracts (government/commercial). Experienced with all contract types (i.e., Cost Reimbursement, Fixed Price, FPIF, IDIQ, Time and Material, etc.)
• Proactively identify and resolve contractual issues; address disputes, questions, and concerns. Respond to various complex contracting inquiries in a timely manner
• Provide thought leadership and innovative solutions for complex contracting matters
• Provide senior contract leadership to integrated program teams and to Contracts/Procurement Department. Administer complex contract and subcontract activities primarily for U.S. Government customers (predominantly DOD)
• Provide sound contract management to meet customer obligations, achieve company objectives, and comply with company policies
• Review and negotiate US Government contracts containing FAR and DFAR regulations
• Provide expertise and guidance on interpretation of FAR and DFAR regulations
• Maintain Safran DSI certifications and representations in the US Government SAM database
• Respond to supplier certification requests from customers. Provide leadership and guidance on use of WAWF, EWAM and other US DoD systems
• Manage the contract and proposal review process in accordance with the Safran DSI Delegation of Authority
• Draft, review and negotiate contract provisions with commercial customers to include international with oversight by the General Counsel and Contracts Manager
• Generate and maintain Distributor, Consultant and Services Agreements
• Generate and maintain Non-Disclosure Agreements
• Lead the effort to manage deliverables for contracts (includes agreements, but not standard purchase orders). Facilitate requests for schedule extensions to minimize schedule delay penalties
• Assist with proposal preparation and assembly of final proposal package
• Under the supervision of General Counsel, support subcontracts/procurement with review and negotiation of non-standard supplier terms and conditions
• Lead the effort to effectively flow down FAR and DFAR clauses to suppliers
• Have familiarity with US DoD PCARSS system
• Serve as primary contact with customers and other external parties concerning contractual matters

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Ideally four - six (4-6) years of U.S. Government contracts experience
• Sound working knowledge of FAR, DFAR, government contract types and commercial contracts
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or US Permanent Resident Status

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Demonstrated ability to develop effective and sustaining relationships with external customers as well as the internal cross-functional team.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex contract negotiations and Government and Commercial terms and conditions in broad applications, thorough understanding of contracting principles and concepts
• Thorough understanding of the US Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition policy, government contracting principles, and regulations. Strong working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and the NASA FAR supplement
• Business acumen with financial understanding of our business
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Experience working in an ITAR environment