Contracts Manager

CONTRACTS MANAGER – NODA AI Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid on-site, with up to 10% travel) Clearance Requirement: U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance   ABOUT NODA NODA is a Veteran-owned, venture-backed technology company that is transforming how unmanned systems collaborate in complex, mission-critical environments. We are developing next-generation solutions that enable the autonomous orchestration of heterogeneous unmanned systems across air, sea, land, and space with vital applications in the defense, intelligence, and commercial sectors. Joining NODA means working on meaningful technology that pushes the boundaries of autonomy alongside a team that thrives on innovation, rapid iteration, and collaboration.   THE ROLE NODA AI is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Contracts Manager to oversee the full lifecycle of contracts across our diverse portfolio. You will be responsible for drafting, negotiating, and managing a wide range of agreements while driving the implementation of streamlined contract management processes and tools. This cross-functional, individual contributor role is ideal for a contracts professional with strong organizational skills, deep government contracting expertise and a collaborative, solutions-focused mindset. As a subject matter expert in Contracts Administration within the aerospace and defense industry, you will develop and refine bid, capture, and negotiation processes, ensuring efficient contract performance throughout the lifecycle, including amendments and interpretations. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk management are critical to success in this high-impact role. You will work closely with teams across business development, finance, operations, engineering and product, navigating complex government and international contracting regulations. You will have significant visibility and frequent engagement with internal and external stakeholders in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage and provide contract support for various contract types including Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), Time & Materials (T&M), Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Basic Ordering Agreements (BOAs), and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) across government, public sector, and commercial programs - Support proposal development, contract negotiation, compliance, task order management, modifications, and contract close-out activities across government, public sector, and commercial contracts - Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of agreements including NDAs, teaming agreements, software and technology agreements, reseller agreements, subcontracts, vendor agreements, strategic partnerships, and prime contracts across government, public sector, and commercial partners - Support the preparation, review, and submission of Requests for Information (RFIs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) in coordination with BD and capture teams - Oversee the end-to-end contract lifecycle, from initial proposal development through negotiation, execution, performance management, modifications, compliance monitoring, and contract close-out - Support public sector contracting activities across procurement vehicles and compliance frameworks, including FAR, DFARS, FedRAMP-related requirements, GSA-aligned contracting structures, and government reseller and integrator relationships - Ensure compliance with contracting policies, laws, and regulations, including but not limited to FAR, DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and applicable federal procurement requirements - Analyze and summarize contractual obligations, risk factors, intellectual property considerations, performance requirements, and contract modifications for internal stakeholders and leadership teams - Generate compliance matrices, support risk assessments, and assist with internal and external compliance reviews - Partner closely with business development, capture, engineering, finance and operations teams to align contract terms with pursuit strategies, operational execution, and program timelines - Ensure seamless flow-down of contract terms, obligations, and compliance requirements to cross-functional teams, supporting execution across program management, engineering, finance, procurement, and supply chain operations - Oversee subcontractor, vendor, and channel partner agreements to ensure alignment with prime contract requirements and compliance with all applicable contractual obligations and regulatory requirements - Maintain accurate records for each contract including versions, amendments, deliverables, compliance documentation, correspondence, and reporting obligations - Track contract performance, deliverables, milestones, and reporting requirements across multiple government, public sector, and commercial programs - Provide contract briefings, compliance updates, risk summaries, and strategic guidance to leadership and program managers - Support the development and implementation of scalable internal contract policies, tools, templates, and contract lifecycle management processes to improve operational efficiency - Assist in the preparation of representations, certifications, and other compliance documentation including SAM.gov http://SAM.gov registrations, CPARS support, SBA forms, and related government contracting requirements - Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, government customers, prime contractors, subcontractors, and external strategic partners - Synthesize complex legal and regulatory information for a cross-functional audience   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, or related field - U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance - Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in contract management, procurement, or similar field - Minimum 4 years of experience in government contracting - Experience with full-life cycle contract management for CPFF (Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee), FFP (Firm-Fixed-Price), OTA (Other Transactions Authority) and T&M (Time & Materials) government and commercial contracts. - Experience managing complex, multi-year contracts in government and international environments - Experience with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and federal procurement standards - Experience negotiating terms and managing contract execution and compliance - Understanding of contract structures, obligations, flow-downs, and performance requirements   PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Graduate degree in Business, Law, or Public Administration - NCMA (National Contract Management Association) Certifications, such as CPCM, CFCM, or CCMA. - Proficiency with contract management tools or CRM systems - Experience implementing CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management) systems - Experience with international contracting processes and export controls - Active DoD security clearance; Secret or higher     BENEFITS & PERKS Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: - We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans - 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals + Company match - Equity grants for new hires - Unlimited PTO - 11 Paid holidays - Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in November, & December. - Generous Parental Leave - Military Leave for annual training or service requirements - FSA - DCFSA - HSA - Professional Development Opportunities - Access to One Medical https://www.onemedical.com/ - Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.   Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement NODA AI is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace and to maintaining equitable employment and hiring practices. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.   As a federal contractor, NODA AI complies with all applicable equal employment opportunity and affirmative action requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), as amended. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the recruiting, hiring, and employment process.   Consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with applicable fair chance and ban-the-box laws, including the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance where applicable. We actively encourage qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.   NODA AI is committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and accessible work environment for all applicants and employees. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@NodaIntelligence.ai or contact your recruiter so we can provide the support you need.