Program Contracts Manager

ABOUT DEFCON AI RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF DISRUPTION. DEFCON AI is an insights company that leverages artificial intelligence, mathematical optimization, data analytics, and software engineering for resilient optimization of complex systems. In today’s dynamically changing world, DEFCON AI’s technology aligns outcomes with operational goals, better decision making, and empowers customers to anticipate assess, and mitigate the impacts of disruptions. About the Role As we expand our U.S. Marine Corps program, we are seeking a Program Contracts Manager to build and own the contract operations backbone that enables successful program execution. The Program Contracts Manager will own contract operations, subcontract administration, milestone acceptance coordinator, invoice readiness and execution governance for a major US defense program.  You will build the systems, processes, templates, and operating rhythms that allow the program team to execute effectively while ensuring subcontractors, deliverables, invoices, modifications, and contractual obligations remain aligned. You will serve as the day-to-day owner of routine contract and subcontract execution. What You'll Do Own Contract & Subcontract Operations Manage the full lifecycle of contracts and subcontracts, teaming agreements, and consulting arrangements Draft, review, negotiate, and administer subcontract agreements and modifications Translate prime agreement requirements into executable subcontract structures Maintain subcontract records, deliverables, milestones, and commercial terms Coordinate with program leadership and finance on business positions and negotiations  Drive Milestone & Invoice Readiness Develop and manage milestone tracking and contract execution artifacts Coordinate acceptance-package development across technical, program, and finance stakeholders Build invoice-support packages and readiness documentation Identify and flag contractual and compliance risks including terms ambiguity, flow-down gaps, undocumented scope changes, and invoice or acceptance exposure before they become program or legal issues Maintain audit-ready records and submission documentation Build Scalable Contract Operations Design templates, trackers, governance processes, and escalation paths Build process that fits where the program is today while laying the foundation for where it needs to go Improve discipline around contract execution without slowing delivery Establish standards for documentation, reporting, and contract governance Operate independently and effectively without established playbooks, defined predecessors, or a contracts team to hand work off to Support Program Leadership Conduct change-impact assessments and modification analysis Develop decision-ready recommendations for leadership review Support customer correspondence, clarification requests, and issue resolution Escalate complex issues with facts, options, and recommended courses of action Required Qualifications Experience administering and negotiating contracts and subcontracts in a U.S. defense contracting environment Experience drafting, redlining, and negotiating contract language Experience translating prime contract requirements into subcontract flow-downs Experience supporting milestone-based deliverables and contract execution Experience building lightweight repeatable processes in fast-moving or immature environments Ability to operate independently within a matrixed organization Comfortable operating in ambiguity, making defensible decisions without complete information, and adjusting as the program evolves US Citizen Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting defense technology or software programs Familiarity with Other Transaction (OT/OTA) contracts Experience working with acceptance-based invoicing models Experience supporting multi-party subcontractor ecosystems Familiarity with DoW program execution environments NCMA CPCM or CFCM Why This Role Matters This role sits at the center of program execution. You will help ensure that contracts, subcontracts, milestones, deliverables, and payments stay aligned while enabling technical and program teams to focus on mission delivery. The right candidate is a builder, operator, and problem-solver who enjoys creating order from complexity and establishing scalable systems in a rapidly growing company. What We Offer:  A fully remote, results-based environment Competitive salary, bonus, and equity package 100% employer paid, comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision for you and your family Unlimited PTO, with your manager’s approval Flexible work environment where you manage your work day 14 weeks of fully-paid parental leave Salary Range: $110,000-$140,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience, skills, and other factors. We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer: You’ll receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.  Applicant Data Disclosure     By submitting an application, you acknowledge that Defcon AI uses third-party service providers to facilitate its recruitment and hiring processes. These providers include applicant tracking systems, candidate verification platforms, and fraud detection tools (collectively, "Hiring Platforms"). Your application materials, including your résumé, cover letter, work samples, responses to application questions, and any other information you submit, may be transmitted to and processed by these Hiring Platforms for the following purposes:    Managing and administering your application throughout the hiring process;   Verifying the accuracy and authenticity of application materials, including by cross-referencing information you provide agains