Sr Principal Contract Administrator

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time 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. Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation. Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Senior Principal Contracts Administrator to join its team of qualified and diverse individuals. This position will be located on-site at the Melbourne, FL offices and required to be full-time in office due to program need. The Senior Principal Contracts Administrator is a senior-level contracts professional responsible for exhibiting the highest form of professionalism while leading the formation, negotiation, and administration of complex defense acquisition contracts. This role serves as the primary contracting advisor to program leadership, ensuring compliant, competitive, and executable business arrangements aligned with corporate objectives (Northrop Grumman Principles and Operating Practices) and U.S. Government regulations (FAR, DFARS, and agency supplements). This position requires a solution-oriented, strategic contracting leader —not merely a transactional “paper pusher.” The successful candidate will actively shape business deals, influence program strategy, and ensure that the contractual documents reflect and support both. Senior Principal Contracts Administrator (Key Characteristics/Traits for Success) Professionalism & Integrity – Models the highest standards of ethical conduct, objectivity, and confidentiality; communicates clearly and respectfully, follows through reliably, and consistently represents the Contracts function and the company with polish and credibility. Leadership Qualities – Demonstrates ownership, accountability, and calm, confident presence with customers and internal stakeholders. Knowledgeable – Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and DoD acquisition processes; contract types, incentives, proposal development, cost principles, and contract financing; program management concepts (cost/schedule/performance, EVM awareness); export controls, security requirements, and small business/socioeconomic contracting. Solution Oriented – Focuses on practical, compliant ways forward; problem solving to bring options, not just issues. Courage to Respectfully Disagree – Willing to challenge assumptions and positions, professionally and constructively, when risk or compliance is at stake. Business–Program–Contract Integration Mindset – Seeks to understand and articulate the relationships between the business deal, program strategy, and contractual document. Beyond “Paper Pusher” – Adds value through insight, analysis, and judgment; does not view the role as purely administrative. Willingness to Learn – Embraces continuous learning, regulatory changes, and new acquisition approaches. Talent Orientation – – Works collaboratively with peers and cross‑functional partners building trust; Invests in mentoring, coaching, and developing junior contracts staff. Key Responsibilities: Contract Strategy & Formation Lead development of contract strategies in partnership with capture, program management, fi…

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