Sr. Principal Contract Administrator
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Sep 24, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 23, 2026. Northrop Grumman scores A on the Alion truth index.
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Sr. Principal Contract Administrator (Level 4) to join the Platform Systems Modernization (PSM) OU out of Lake Charles Louisiana. This position can be located at any DS location, on site, preferably a PSM specific site.
The successful applicant will become part of Northrop Grumman's contracts organization and will support various Government programs, capture and proposal activities as well as provide contract operations support. The successful candidate will be a direct report to Contracts Leadership and will work closely on a day-to-day basis with the business managers, operations managers, capture managers and other functional teams throughout the department. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of contracts from the business development phase through contract closeout, delivering strong customer satisfaction, successful financial performance, and risk mitigation. Candidate's ability to build strong customer intimacy and employee engagement is key. Candidate must be a self-starter and able to work collaboratively with team members, including in an advisory role to program management, site management and the customers. Candidate will have knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS).
In this role, the selected candidate will:
- Work complex assignments independently and support Finance, Program Management, and various levels of Management
- Lead proposal preparation, contract negotiation and contract administration activities from proposal through closeout.
- Administer daily contract activities for a variety of product lines and contract types, including cost reimbursable and firm fixed price; such activities will include establishing payment terms, initiating, and monitoring invoicing, collections, and funding to support financial objectives.
- Enter and manage data in the Contract Management System, financial and delivery systems.
- Participate in customer meetings, performing and monitoring compliance to contract requirements and leading change management process.
- Ensure non-disclosure agreements and contract terms and conditions are negotiated within company guidelines.
Basic Qualifications for a Level 4 Senior Principal Contract Administrator:
- Bachelor's degree with 8 years of experience in contracts management, contract administration, or a Master's degree with 6 years of experience in contracts management, contract administration; or 12 years of experience in contracts management, contract administration in lieu of degree
- Aerospace and Defense industry experience.
- Experience in contract negotiations.
- Experience leading must win high visibility proposals.
- Advanced knowledge and understanding of FAR and DFARS and ability to efficiently and effectively research FAR/DFAR information.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience with a variety of contract types such as Cost Plus, Fixed Price, Fixed Price Incentive Fee, etc.
- Solid foundation in interpreting and drafting changes to US Government contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and similar documents
- Prior experience supporting contracts consisting of complex production efforts.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to be flexible and change directions when needed.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Active DoD Secret/Top Secret Clearance (with a background investigation completed within the last 5 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
Primary Level Salary Range: $101,400.00 - $152,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.