Senior Contract Specialist
Aurora Launch Services (ALS): Aurora Launch Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Aerospace, established to provide low cost, highly reliable launch services on a contract basis to both government and commercial space launch customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, co-located with Alaska Aerospace.
Position Summary: Reporting to the Contract Manager, the Senior Contract Specialist independently performs and leads the end-to-end procurement lifecycle by developing acquisition strategies, strategic solicitation documents and overseeing comprehensive contract administration. The role ensures full alignment with federal, state, and internal regulations through proactive performance monitoring, milestone tracking, and deliverable oversight. The Senior Contract Specialist serves as the first line contracting advisor and primary contracting point of contact to mitigate risk and ensure contractual obligations effectively support organizational and program objectives.
The Senior Contract Specialist performs a broad range of complex pre-award and post-award contracting functions with limited supervision and provides professional acquisition advice to program management, technical personnel, finance, corporate leadership, and other stakeholders. Responsibilities include acquisition planning, solicitation development, proposal and cost analysis, negotiations, contract administration, modifications, contractual risk management, claims and dispute support, and contract closeout.
The position requires the exercise of independent judgment in interpreting and applying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), applicable Alaska statutes and regulations, contractual requirements, and company policies and procedures.
Location: This position is located in Anchorage, AK. Work is performed on-site, with occasional travel (<20%) to other operational sites or business-related locations in support of organizational needs.
Primary Job Responsibilities
Lead and independently execute complex acquisition and procurement actions from requirements development through contract award, including acquisition strategies, procurement plans, solicitation documents, evaluation criteria, negotiation strategies, and award documentation.
Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, agency, customer, and contractual requirements, including FAR, DFARS, and applicable state and local statutes, and provide guidance to program and organizational personnel regarding their application. Identify and incorporate appropriate federal, state, agency, customer, and contractual flow-down clauses and requirements into contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other procurement instruments.
Independently administer assigned contracts throughout the period of performance, in coordination with program management and technical personnel, including contractor performance, deliverables, schedules, funding, invoices, milestones, acceptance requirements, reporting requirements, and other contractual obligations.
Evaluate contractor performance and identify, analyze, and mitigate contractual, financial, technical, schedule, performance, and compliance risks. Develop recommendations and corrective actions in coordination with program management, the Contract Manager, and contractor representatives.
Conduct and document comprehensive market research and acquisition planning; identify responsible and capable contractors and develop competitive source lists.
Evaluate contractor proposals, quotations, cost and pricing information, technical submissions, and other proposal materials for price reasonableness, technical adequacy, regulatory compliance, contractual risk, and alignment with program requirements.
Analyze proposed contract modifications, requests for equitable adjustment, and other contractual changes for scope, entitlement, cost, schedule, risk, and supporting documentation, and provide recommendations to the Contract Manager.
Serve as the primary contracting point of contact for assigned procurements and provide professional contracting advice to program management and organizational leadership regarding acquisition strategy, contractual requirements, procurement risk, and contract administration.
Participate in program planning by evaluating cost/schedule tradeoffs and resource requirements to ensure that procurement strategies align with long-term organizational objectives.
Support the Contract Manager with the resolution of contractual disputes, claims, or terminations, in coordination with legal, management teams, program personnel, and contractors; develop supporting analyses, recommendations, correspondence, and contractual documentation.
Maintain complete, accurate, and audit-ready contract files in the company’s system of record, in accordance with applicable documentation and records-management requirements.
Coordinate with the program management team on financial projections for contract actions and ensure that appropriate funding is secured and obligated before the execution of change orders or modifications.
Lead and independently execute the formal administrative closeout of completed contracts, ensuring all contractual obligations are satisfied, final deliverables are accepted, outstanding issues and claims are resolved, excess funds are de-obligated as appropriate, and required records are completed and retained.
Review procurement and contract documentation prepared by junior personnel and provide technical guidance, mentoring, and training to support accuracy, compliance, and consistency with company policies and established contracting practices.
Assist the Contract Manager in developing and improving procurement policies, procedures, templates, internal controls, and contract administration processes.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Demonstrated knowledge of federal acquisition principles, contract formation, contract administration, contract types, pricing, negotiation, and applicable procurement regulations.
Working knowledge of the FAR, DFARS, and applicable federal and state acquisition requirements.
Ability to independently analyze and resolve complex contracting and procurement issues involving scope, price, funding, schedule, performance, risk, and regulatory compliance.
Ability to evaluate proposals, perform price and cost analysis, negotiate contractual terms, analyze contractor requests, and develop well-supported contracting recommendations.
Understanding of and ability to handle confidential business information (CBI) and government controlled and classified information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, email, digital timekeeping and business systems required; experience with Microsoft SharePoint and Deltek Costpoint preferred.
Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills, able to work with all levels of employees and management within the organization.
Strong critical and analytical thinking.
Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities within strict delivery timeframes.
Ability to multi-task in a very dynamic and complex aerospace environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Required Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, economics, or a related field required. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered where appropriate.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in contracting, procurement, acquisition, subcontract administration, or a closely related field.
Professional acquisition or contracting certifications are preferred, including FAC-C, DAWIA/DoD
Contracting Professional Certification, CPCM, or comparable professional certification. • Valid driver’s license required.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position operates primarily in an office environment with extended periods of sitting and computer use. Occasional standing, walking, and light lifting (up to 20 pounds) may be required. Travel to company facilities, operational sites, or business-related locations may be required based on organizational needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities
No direct supervisory responsibilities. The Senior Contract Specialist may provide technical guidance, mentoring, training, and work direction to junior contract specialists and other procurement personnel, including assisting with work priorities and reviewing work for accuracy, quality, and compliance. The position may support the Contract Manager with staff development, training, other departmental initiatives.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by mission campaigns, as applicable.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug screening.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of Aurora Launch Services to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Compensation
A competitive salary and benefits package, determined upon experience level of individual, will be negotiated after an offer to hire has been given.
To Apply
Please apply online on Indeed.com or send a resume and cover letter to careers@akaerospace.gov. Professional references required. We recognize that candidates may not meet every listed qualification and encourage applicants with relevant experience, transferable skills, and interest in the role to apply. For questions call (907) 413-2301. This position will remain open until filled.