Contract Manager

Katalyst Description: We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain. Katalyst Culture: Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. Overview The Contract Manager is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and supporting business development and proposal activities. This role works cross-functionally with legal, finance, and proposal teams to manage risk, review terms, and maintain alignment with company policies and regulatory requirements, including U.S. Government contracting standards. What You’ll Do Contract Administration & Compliance • Manage and monitor active contracts to ensure ongoing compliance with contractual terms and conditions • Track deliverables, obligations, and key milestones across all active agreements • Identify and mitigate contractual risks, ensuring adherence to company policies and applicable regulations • Maintain organized contract records and documentation Contract Review & Negotiation • Review prospective contracts, subcontracts, and agreements for legal, financial, and operational risk • Analyze and interpret FAR/DFAR clauses, identifying provisions that require negotiation, clarification, or escalation • Provide recommendations on terms the company should push back on or closely monitor • Support contract negotiations in collaboration with leadership and legal counsel Proposal & Business Development Support • Partner with proposal teams to review solicitation requirements and contract terms during the proposal phase • Assist in developing and maintaining boilerplate contractual language • Ensure alignment between proposed terms and company capabilities and risk posture • Support compliance reviews for RFPs, RFQs, and other solicitations Agreements & Legal Documentation • Draft, review, and manage Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Teaming Agreements, and other standard agreements • Ensure proper execution and tracking of all pre-contract and contract-related documents • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure consistency and completeness Your Ideal Background Required • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Law, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent experience) • 5+ Years of experience managing active contracts and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations • Demonstrated experience reviewing on government prospective contracts, including identifying and assessing FAR/DFAR clauses and related risks such as SBIR Phase I, Phase II, Phase III, OTA, and other vehicles. • Ability to identify terms that require negotiation or escalation and provide actionable recommendations • Experience supporting proposal teams, including contract review, compliance checks, and development of boilerplate language • Familiarity with drafting and reviewing NDAs and other standard contractual agreements • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously Preferred • Experience with commercial B2B contracts for large enterprise services procurements • Experience in government contracting or aerospace/defense industry • Familiarity with contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools • Strong understanding of federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFAR) • Excellent communication and negotiation skills • Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed. Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $95,000 - $130,000 annually. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off. At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.