Contracts Specialist

Contracts Specialist

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures. This position is located in our San Diego, CA HQ office and reports to the Director of Contracts.

Position Summary:

This role is responsible for helping minimize contractual risk, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, and supporting the successful execution of commercial and government programs. The Contract Specialist will work closely with Program Management, Finance, Business Development, Supply Chain, and Leadership to review agreements, support negotiations, administer contract requirements, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

What You'll Own

• Review and administration of customer, vendor, and subcontract agreements
• Contract compliance and risk management activities
• Proposal support and contractual representations and certifications
• Import/export compliance processes and documentation
• Government property reporting and contract closeout activities
• Support of corporate registrations, certifications, and regulatory requirements

Essential Functions:

Contract Administration & Compliance

• Review incoming customer and vendor contracts, modifications, and agreements to identify contractual risks and compliance requirements
• Coordinate internally and externally to resolve contract issues and negotiate acceptable terms
• Support contract execution, administration, and closeout activities
• Ensure contract requirements are properly communicated and flowed down to subcontractors and suppliers
• Review program set up at contract award and coordinate with Finance and Program Management to ensure accuracy
• Monitor contractual obligations and support compliance with customer requirements
• Draft and review agreements including NDAs, Master Purchase Agreements, Long-Term Agreements, Referral Agreements, and other business contracts

Proposal & Business Support

• Support proposal preparation activities, including representations and certifications
• Complete customer-required forms and contractual documentation
• Support pricing compliance activities and proposal reviews
• Assist with contract negotiations as required
• Coordinate customer and vendor portal registrations and account maintenance

Subcontracts & Supplier Agreements

• Prepare and review Statements of Work (SOWs), sole source justifications, and contract flow downs
• Review and administer subcontractor and vendor agreements
• Process supplier onboarding documentation and compliance questionnaires
• Support supplier compliance with contractual requirements

Import, Export & Regulatory Compliance

• Support compliance with U.S. import/export regulations and trade requirements
• Review export-controlled transactions and foreign orders for compliance concerns
• Assist with export classifications and license applications
• Maintain DDTC registrations and related compliance records
• Develop and maintain export compliance procedures and training materials
• Advise internal stakeholders on export compliance requirements and associated risks
• Coordinate activities with freight forwarders, customs brokers, and government agencies as needed

Government Property & Corporate Compliance

• Support government property tracking and reporting requirements
• Assist with SAM.gov, SBA, and other regulatory registrations
• Support insurance compliance reviews and customer requirements
• Maintain records and documentation supporting audits and compliance activities

Credit & Accounts Receivable Support

• Assist with customer credit reviews and approval processes
• Support collection efforts for past due accounts
• Coordinate with third-party collection agencies as needed
• Evaluate customer and vendor credit terms and associated risks

What You Bring

Experience

• 3+ years of contract administration, contract management, paralegal, or related experience
• Experience supporting government contracts and commercial agreements
• Experience reviewing and negotiating contract terms and conditions
• Familiarity with proposal support and contract compliance activities

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, and government contracting principles
• Working knowledge of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and contract compliance requirements
• Knowledge of U.S. import/export regulations and international trade compliance
• Understanding of contractual risk management and mitigation practices

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments and levels of the organization

Software & Tools

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience working with contract management systems, ERP systems, or government contracting platforms preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Paralegal experience focused on contract law
• Law degree or legal studies background
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or government contracting organizations

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $75,000 $125,000 (based on experience and skillset)
• 100% Employer-Paid Medical & Dental
• Annual Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 5% Match
• Employee Stock Option Program
• 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
• Paid Holidays + Generous PTO
• $2,500 Tuition Reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. EEO is the law. We also prohibit compensation discrimination under all applicable laws. Certain positions require meeting the U.S. Person definition in 22 CFR 120.62.

ITAR Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company's immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Rock West Composites will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. Rock West Composites will not seek an export authorization for this role. Rock West Composites maintains a Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment may be required to complete a drug screening. Rock West Composites may also conduct drug and alcohol testing based on reasonable suspicion, post-incident, or for safety-sensitive positions as permitted by law.

Accommodation Notice

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.