AeroVironment
Worker Type : Regular
Job Description Summary The Senior Director, Contracts is responsible for managing and leading the contract management and oversight process of major Federal, State, and commercial contracts with various agencies. This position has broad responsibility over contractual matters while also supporting new business opportunities and growth strategies. Additional responsibilities include direct negotiations for large, complex, domestic and international contracts, and participation in strategic initiatives related to procurement, market evaluation, pricing strategies, and partnering approaches. The Senior Director, Contracts must be a demonstrated leader who collaborates with the Business Area and functional leaders to facilitate Key Performance Indicators.
Position Responsibilities
Serve as deputy to the SVP of Contracts and primary liaison between contracts and legal to close negotiations.
Support key initiatives and integrations for the contracts organization and drive actions to closure.
Provide strategic direction, leadership guidance, and functional expertise to a team of contracts professionals while escalating high‑level issues.
Lead conflict resolution of contract issues and mentor team members.
Represent multiple business units or segments in partnership with business leaders.
Perform contract management tasks throughout the lifecycle including proposal review, pre‑ and post‑award negotiations, modifications, close‑outs, and support of complex multi‑year contracts.
Ensure agreements comply with all regulations, requirements, and company policies.
Validate data accuracy in business systems.
Advise leadership on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation.
Engage program teams and customers to enforce contract requirements, manage scope, and mitigate risks.
Effectively work with stakeholders across the organization and brief senior management on key issues.
Draft, evaluate, and negotiate various agreements such as NDAs, sales/purchase agreements, subcontracts, consulting agreements, license agreements, master agreements, and FAR‑based contracts.
Review agreements previously reviewed by staff and provide guidance on outstanding issues.
Participate in business development, providing contract expertise for bid evaluation, proposals, and negotiations.
Structure and negotiate commercial arrangements such as sales contracts and supply agreements.
Coordinate DCAA, DCMA, and other audits with senior management.
Promote the company's vision, mission, and core values within the area of responsibility.
Act as focal point for communication with legal, finance, and business disciplines for contract issue resolution.
Manage assigned contracting staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
12‑15 years of directly relevant experience.
5‑7 years in a people‑leadership role.
Expertise in Federal and International regulations and relevant legal concepts.
Significant experience with International and DoD/Federal prime government contract administration.
Entrepreneurial focus and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Business acumen and record of innovative problem‑solving.
Ability to translate business and technical risk for leadership communication.
Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills.
FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge; understanding of U.S. Government acquisition laws.
Experience with firm‑fixed price, cost‑type, commercial/non‑commercial contract types.
Experience with license, nondisclosure, and teaming agreements.
Knowledge of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements (FAR Part 15).
Capability to contribute to strategic planning at all levels.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated collaborative effectiveness and confidence‑building.
Experience in training, mentoring, and building highly effective teams.
Qualified to access ITAR‑controlled data and technology.
Current U.S. Security Clearance (Secret, Top Secret Preferred).
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification.
International and commercial contract experience, including Foreign Military and Direct Commercial Sales.
Experience with accounting systems such as Unanet or Oracle Fusion.
Effective interaction with company management and team members.
Entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem‑solving.
Critical thinker and decisive command decision maker.
Visionary thinking and adaptive decision style.
Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals.
Transforms organizational values into actionable vision.
Champion of change and culture of quick adaptation.
Builds internal and external trusted relationships.
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office environment (constant).
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone (frequent).
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, and use hand and wrist dexterity.
May require travel to sites, programs, and special functions.
Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance
Work in a climate‑controlled office environment.
May have some exposure to the outdoors while traveling.
Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
Clearance Level Top Secret
Salary Range $185,185 – $262,500
ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR compliance. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). Current U.S. Citizenship may be required for some contract requirements.
Benefits Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefits, visit
http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .
Who We Are Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for over 45 years. We developed the world’s most widely used military drones and the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and maintain seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection.
What We Do We design, develop, produce, and support advanced unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use our hand‑launched UAS for real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.
Additional ITAR and Security Information U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance, is desired.
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Job Description Summary The Senior Director, Contracts is responsible for managing and leading the contract management and oversight process of major Federal, State, and commercial contracts with various agencies. This position has broad responsibility over contractual matters while also supporting new business opportunities and growth strategies. Additional responsibilities include direct negotiations for large, complex, domestic and international contracts, and participation in strategic initiatives related to procurement, market evaluation, pricing strategies, and partnering approaches. The Senior Director, Contracts must be a demonstrated leader who collaborates with the Business Area and functional leaders to facilitate Key Performance Indicators.
Position Responsibilities
Serve as deputy to the SVP of Contracts and primary liaison between contracts and legal to close negotiations.
Support key initiatives and integrations for the contracts organization and drive actions to closure.
Provide strategic direction, leadership guidance, and functional expertise to a team of contracts professionals while escalating high‑level issues.
Lead conflict resolution of contract issues and mentor team members.
Represent multiple business units or segments in partnership with business leaders.
Perform contract management tasks throughout the lifecycle including proposal review, pre‑ and post‑award negotiations, modifications, close‑outs, and support of complex multi‑year contracts.
Ensure agreements comply with all regulations, requirements, and company policies.
Validate data accuracy in business systems.
Advise leadership on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation.
Engage program teams and customers to enforce contract requirements, manage scope, and mitigate risks.
Effectively work with stakeholders across the organization and brief senior management on key issues.
Draft, evaluate, and negotiate various agreements such as NDAs, sales/purchase agreements, subcontracts, consulting agreements, license agreements, master agreements, and FAR‑based contracts.
Review agreements previously reviewed by staff and provide guidance on outstanding issues.
Participate in business development, providing contract expertise for bid evaluation, proposals, and negotiations.
Structure and negotiate commercial arrangements such as sales contracts and supply agreements.
Coordinate DCAA, DCMA, and other audits with senior management.
Promote the company's vision, mission, and core values within the area of responsibility.
Act as focal point for communication with legal, finance, and business disciplines for contract issue resolution.
Manage assigned contracting staff.
Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience).
12‑15 years of directly relevant experience.
5‑7 years in a people‑leadership role.
Expertise in Federal and International regulations and relevant legal concepts.
Significant experience with International and DoD/Federal prime government contract administration.
Entrepreneurial focus and ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
Business acumen and record of innovative problem‑solving.
Ability to translate business and technical risk for leadership communication.
Proven contract drafting and negotiation skills.
FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge; understanding of U.S. Government acquisition laws.
Experience with firm‑fixed price, cost‑type, commercial/non‑commercial contract types.
Experience with license, nondisclosure, and teaming agreements.
Knowledge of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data requirements (FAR Part 15).
Capability to contribute to strategic planning at all levels.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Demonstrated collaborative effectiveness and confidence‑building.
Experience in training, mentoring, and building highly effective teams.
Qualified to access ITAR‑controlled data and technology.
Current U.S. Security Clearance (Secret, Top Secret Preferred).
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification.
International and commercial contract experience, including Foreign Military and Direct Commercial Sales.
Experience with accounting systems such as Unanet or Oracle Fusion.
Effective interaction with company management and team members.
Entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem‑solving.
Critical thinker and decisive command decision maker.
Visionary thinking and adaptive decision style.
Inspires, motivates, and empowers people to deliver organizational goals.
Transforms organizational values into actionable vision.
Champion of change and culture of quick adaptation.
Builds internal and external trusted relationships.
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office environment (constant).
Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone (frequent).
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, and use hand and wrist dexterity.
May require travel to sites, programs, and special functions.
Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance
Work in a climate‑controlled office environment.
May have some exposure to the outdoors while traveling.
Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
Clearance Level Top Secret
Salary Range $185,185 – $262,500
ITAR Requirement This position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR compliance. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person (citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual). Current U.S. Citizenship may be required for some contract requirements.
Benefits Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefits, visit
http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .
Who We Are Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for over 45 years. We developed the world’s most widely used military drones and the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and maintain seven innovative vehicles in the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection.
What We Do We design, develop, produce, and support advanced unmanned aircraft systems and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use our hand‑launched UAS for real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
Equal Employment Opportunity We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected status.
Additional ITAR and Security Information U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability to obtain a clearance, is desired.
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