Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager

Contracts & Technical Engineering ManagerJob Title: Contracts & Technical Engineering ManagerReports To: General ManagerCompany Overview: We are a specialized, high-precision manufacturing firm (under 50 employees) dedicated to supporting the U.S. Navy Submarine Industrial Base. We pride ourselves on technical excellence and the ability to execute complex, mission-critical components for the nation’s most advanced undersea platforms.Position Summary: The Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager will bridge the gap between complex Navy requirements and shop floor execution. This dual-impact role requires a rare combination of contractual literacy (FAR/DFARS) and hands-on manufacturing engineering to ensure every part we ship meets stringent NAVSEA standards while maintaining lean, efficient production processes. Key Responsibilities:Technical Contract & Proposal Review Contract Lifecycle Management: Review, interpret, and negotiate prime contracts and subcontracts to ensure full compliance with FAR, DFARS, and NAVSEA Standard Items.Technical Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for Government Contracting Officers and Prime Contractors regarding Statement of Work (SOW) clarity and scope.Risk & Compliance: Identify contractual risks early in the bidding process; ensure all quality, safety, and specialized submarine material (e.g., Level I/SUBSAFE) requirements are integrated into the project plan.Change Management: Manage Technical Change Orders, Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs), and contract modifications resulting from design changes or latent conditions. Shop Floor & Assembly Process Development Process Engineering: Design and implement robust shop floor processes for CNC machining and complex mechanical assembly to ensure repeatability and "first-time-through" quality.Manufacturing Instructions: Develop detailed Work Instructions (WIs) and Routing Sheets that translate complex Navy specifications into actionable steps for machinists and technicians.Lean Implementation: Apply Lean/5S methodologies to optimize the flow of high-mix, low-volume submarine components through the shop.Tooling & Equipment: Research and propose capital investments in advanced machining or inspection technology to meet tighter tolerances and increasing Navy demand. Leadership & Operational Oversight Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead a small team of engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of technical rigor and continuous improvement.Quality Alignment: Collaborate with the QA department to ensure all "in-process" inspections and final data packages meet the Quality Management System (AS9100) and NAVSEA requirements.Project Scheduling: Coordinate with production to ensure project milestones align with contract delivery schedules and customer deadlines.Qualifications: Experience: Minimum 5–8 years in defense manufacturing, with at least 5 years specifically within Navy Submarine Building (e.g., Virginia, Columbia, or Ohio classes).Contractual Expertise: Deep familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items (e.g., 009-01, 009-09) and the federal acquisition process.Technical Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Marine Engineering.Technical Skills: Proficiency in CAD/CAM software and a strong understanding of tight-tolerance machining (±.0001) for rugged materials like HY-80/100 steel or K-Monel.Security: Must be a U.S. Citizen and capable of obtaining a Secret Security Clearance.