About NSTXL:
NSTXL is not your traditional government partner — we move fast, think boldly, and empower the innovation community shaping the future of national defense. As Senior Manager, Contracts, you’ll lead the strategy, negotiation, and administration of complex agreements across our growing portfolio of innovative programs. You’ll oversee the full contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance, managing risk, and supporting successful project execution. In this leadership role, you’ll be a trusted partner to both internal teams and external stakeholders, driving efficiency and enabling mission-critical innovation. Join us to lead impactful work backed by smart processes, exceptional people, and a mission that matters.
Job Description:
Ready to lead contracts that drive innovation in national defense? NSTXL is looking for a seasoned Senior Manager, Contracts to oversee a portfolio of cutting-edge, OT-based projects focused on prototyping emerging technologies for the Department of Defense. Reporting to the Director, Contracts, the Senior Manager will be responsible for an array of tasks in support of project Performers and our Department of Defense customers to include oversight, management, and support to their assigned team members, involving appropriate delegation of tasks, assignments, and review/approval of agreement documentation to ensure compliance with policies, regulations, and statutes. If you’re an expert in government contracting with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for innovation, we want to hear from you!
What You'll Do:
- Serve as a subject matter expert on Other Transaction (OT) agreements and acting as the primary point of contact between NSTXL, government customers, and project performers.
- Lead contract negotiations on complex, high-value agreements—striking the right balance between mission success and organizational priorities.
- Review, executing, and approving contract actions within your delegated authority, with full signature authority.
- Provide strategic oversight, management, and mentorship to your assigned contracts team—including delegation of tasks, quality review, and ongoing support.
- Ensure all agreements are fully compliant with internal policies, legal standards, and federal contracting regulations.
- Identify potential risks in agreement terms and ensuring compliant performance throughout the lifecycle of each project.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to align contract strategy with customer goals and mission requirements.
- Troubleshoot and resolving contract-related issues with practical, actionable recommendations.
- Prepare high-quality documentation, correspondence, and presentations to support contract activity and leadership visibility.
- Deliver training and guidance to internal and external stakeholders to ensure strong contract literacy and operational alignment.
- Maintain accurate and compliant contract records that meet all reporting and regulatory requirements.
- Manage personnel actions for assigned team members, fostering a high-performing, mission-driven environment.
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree or other advanced degree in relevant field of study such as Business Administration
- 7+ years of prior relevant contracting experience
- 3+ years of team management experience
- Possession of, or an ability to receive, SECRET-level clearance
- Direct experience managing a defense-centric contracting portfolio and DoD acquisition policy related to R&D efforts and/or other alternative contracting methods
- Ability to analyze risk, make sound business judgments, and create meaningful strategies
- Demonstrable mastery of contract-related communications & research
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills (verbal and written)
- Deep understanding and practical experience with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and other relevant regulations and instructions
- Experience managing projects and contracts from inception to completion
- Proven experience and strong ability to build relationships and work effectively and collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Direct experience in negotiating terms and resolving conflicts
- Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven tasks and projects simultaneously while adapting to changing circumstances, regulations, policies, and project requirements
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail in contract documentation and management
- High level of emotional intelligence and ability to analyze complex situations, understand different perspectives, and creative problem-solving to find solutions that satisfy all parties and address underlying issues
- Strong proficiency with contract management software and tools, as well as general office software such as Microsoft Office Suite
Nice to Have:
- DAWIIA Certification, NCMA Certification or equivalent certification
- Direct experience with Other Transaction agreements (10 U.S. Code § 4021 & 4022)
- Previous experience as Contracting Officer or Agreements Officer
- Previous experience briefing or presenting strategies to senior leadership and/or executive-level management and/or Commercial Supplier Selection Processes
Location:
Travel:
- Travel for this position is estimated to be 10%
Salary Range:
- $125,000 - $150,000, plus participation in an incentive program.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
NSTXL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.
What We Offer:
We strive to be one of the best places to work in America. We offer competitive salaries and benefits that include:
- Health Insurance: Medical and dental – company pays 92% of premiums for individual coverage and for family coverage
- Vision Insurance: Fully covered
- Retirement Plans: 401(k) with employer match up to 4%
- Paid Time Off: Paid sick and safe leave, paid floating holidays, and generous vacation
- Other:
- Basic Life & AD&D policy company paid
- Voluntary Life
- Flexible & remote work structure
- Wellness reimbursement plan & mental health support
- Community sponsorships
- Donation matching
- Professional development allowance
If you need any accommodation for the interview process, please let us know when we contact you.
We take a geo-neutral approach to compensation within the US, meaning that we pay based on job function and level, not location. For this position, we are currently only open to remote employees residing in the following states: AL, CA, CO, MO, NM, OR, TX, WY.