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Senior Principal Contracts Specialist

General Dynamics Mission Systems
$140,326.00 - $147,000.00
United States, Arizona, Scottsdale
Oct 09, 2025
Basic Qualifications

Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is required plus a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience.

Clearance Requirements:
Department of Defense TS/SCI security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


Responsibilities for this Position

Overview:
A Senior Principal Contracts Specialist is responsible for supporting the management of the company's contractual agreements with customers, in the drafting, negotiation, and execution of contracts, as well as ensuring compliance with contract terms and conditions. The Senior Principal Contracts Specialist also maintains accurate contract records and databases and assists in identifying and mitigating any contract-related risks. Additionally, this role requires strong communication and organizational skills, as the Senior Principal Contracts Specialist will work closely with program managers, legal teams, and customers to ensure that all contractual obligations are met.

Key Responsibilities:
* Acts as focal point for all contractual communications and commitments to customers.
* Advises and supports business team on issues/developments relative to assigned contracts.
* Negotiates contracts within business goals and documents substance of discussions, agreements, and results.
* Participates as a key member of the proposal or program team to address contract requirements.
* Monitors contract performance for scope changes and takes appropriate action.
* Manages contract change process and collaborates with the Program Manager, including Engineering, Finance, and other disciplines to mitigate performance risk.
* Monitors program performance for scope changes and takes appropriate action.
* Provides domain expertise in contract management.
* Provides leadership, subject matter expertise, and innovative recommendations to new or unusual contracting, or programmatic issues.
* Executes engagements with customers consistent with policies.
* Supports an overall understanding of the Contracts Department operations and GDMS enterprise objectives.
* Builds customer relationships and knows customer needs and issues.
* Participates as a key member of the proposal or program team to address contract requirements.
* Mentors and supports junior contracts team members by providing guidance, sharing best practices, and offering advice on complex contractual issues to enhance their professional development and improve overall team performance.
* Collaborates with cross-functional teams, including Program Management, Engineering, Finance, and Supply Chain, to ensure contract requirements are fully understood and effectively executed, while addressing any potential risks or issues that may arise.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
* Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal regulations (FAR/DFARS) and experience with prime contractors or US Government entities across various contract types.
* Demonstrated experience reviewing and analyzing contract documents for accuracy, performance risk, and conformance with contract terms, conditions, and other provisions.
* Demonstrated understanding of contract management principles.
* Demonstrated analytical/critical thinking skills, attention to detail, and research skills.
* Demonstrated negotiation skills for contracts of moderate to high risk/complexity.
* Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to prioritize/re-prioritize with changing goals.
* Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deal effectively with personnel at all levels.

* Demonstrated computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office) to support effective communications and business needs.
* Resolves a wide range of issues in creative ways, demonstrating innovative approaches and solutions.
* Collaborates and works effectively cross-functionally throughout the business.
* Demonstrates judgment and creativity to identify and resolve moderately complex contract issues, recognizing when more expert guidance is required.
* Possesses a growth mindset for continuous learning to remain current with regulations and internal procedures.
* Shows initiative on assignments, exercises independent judgment, and professionally executes projects with little direction.
* Acts independently to determine methods and procedures on new or special assignments.
* Proficient in grasping and applying new information quickly and handling complex assignments.
* Networks with key contacts outside own area of expertise and senior internal and external personnel in own area of expertise.

#LI-Hybrid

Target salary range: USD $140,326.00/Yr. - USD $147,000.00/Yr. This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.


Company Overview

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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