Director of Contracts – International

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. JOB OVERVIEW As the Director of Contracts – International at Saronic, you will lead the management and oversight of the company’s international sales portfolio across both Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) channels. You will structure, negotiate, and administer complex cross-border agreements for the sale of autonomous surface vessels and related systems, services, and support to allied and partner nations. You will partner closely with internal stakeholders (Programs, Finance, Legal, Compliance, Proposals, and Growth) and external counterparts-- including foreign government procurement authorities, U.S. Government, and in-country partners-- to ensure compliant, commercially sound, and risk-aware contract execution. You will serve as the company’s subject-matter expert on international contracting, guiding deal structure, interpreting export and procurement requirements, and driving best practices across the full contract lifecycle. RESPONSIBILITIES • Lead and manage the full contract lifecycle for international programs across both FMS and DCS channels, including pre-award review, structuring, negotiation, award, modifications, performance monitoring, and close-out. • Support FMS transactions by interfacing with U.S. Government stakeholders (DSCA, implementing agencies, program offices, and Department of State), reviewing and responding to Letters of Request (LOR), and supporting the development, pricing inputs, and execution of Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) and related FMS case documentation. • Structure and negotiate Direct Commercial Sales agreements directly with foreign government and defense-ministry customers, addressing foreign procurement law, competing terms and conditions, currency and payment terms, warranty and liability allocation, offset/industrial participation, and in-country support obligations. • Partner with Compliance and Legal teams to ensure all international transactions align with U.S. export control requirements (ITAR and EAR), including export licensing, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), technology transfer controls, and end-use/end-user restrictions. • Interpret, review, and negotiate international contract terms and conditions. • Provide strategic contract advice and risk-mitigation guidance, ensuring deal terms align with corporate strategy, financial objectives, export authorizations, and compliance obligations. • Serve as a primary contracting interface with foreign government customers, U.S. Government, Contracting/Agreement Officers, and in-country agents or partners. • Monitor contract performance and compliance across the international portfolio: track deliverables, milestones, cost and schedule performance, delivery and acceptance requirements, change orders, invoicing, and export-license conditions; identify and escalate issues or noncompliance promptly. • Support business development and capture teams with contract strategy, deal structuring, pricing considerations, terms-and-conditions review, teaming and reseller arrangements, and risk assessment for international pursuits. • Maintain awareness of developments in FMS/security cooperation policy, export control regulations, sanctions and anti-corruption regimes (e.g., FCPA), and foreign procurement rules, and recommend updates to contracting policies and templates accordingly. QUALIFICATIONS - 12+ years of contract management experience within a defense/federal contractor or international defense-sales environment. - Working knowledge of the FMS process, including LORs, LOAs, DSCA and implementing-agency roles, and the U.S. Government-as-intermediary sales model, as well as international/commercial contract structures. - Working knowledge of U.S. export controls. - Proven track record negotiating, administering, modifying, and closing out multi-year international contracts. - Robust knowledge of data rights, intellectual property, and technology-transfer issues in cross-border agreements. - Strong analytical and financial acumen — ability to review cost/price proposals, change orders, and offset commitments, assess risk, and monitor contract performance. - Familiarity with international business-conduct and anti-corruption requirements (e.g., FCPA, OFAC sanctions, and end-use monitoring) preferred. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interface with senior leadership, foreign government officials, U.S. Government counterparts, and internal teams. - Self-starter with strong attention to detail and organization, and the ability to manage multiple complex international contracts simultaneously and drive results. PHYSICAL DEMANDS - Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer - Occasional standing and walking within the office - Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment - Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports - Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies - Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages) BENEFITS Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees https://saronic-assets-public.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Saronic%20CCPA%20Notice%20for%20Candidates%20and%20California%20Employees.pdf If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) https://www.govinfo.gov/link/uscode/8/1324b. Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.