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Principal Contract Administrator - Paladin Capture
Sterling Heights, MIMarch 31st, 2026
Principal Contract AdministratorBAE Systems is hiring a Principal Contract Administrator to support our Combat Missions Systems (CMS) business. Join this dynamic team and be a part of a world class contracting team to support the Paladin Program, the primary indirect fire support system for the Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT). This multi-billion dollar program is a vital technology enhancement program to maintain the combat capability of the Army's ABCT. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and supporting a diverse cross functional team through strategic Paladin pursuits and captures. The position will strategically plan, negotiate, and execute proposals. This position may require additional duties such as providing surge support for the Paladin, execute special projects for the betterment of the CMS Contracts function, and/or additional duties as assigned.
This role can be based out of Sterling Heights, MI or York, PA. This will be a hybrid schedule where you will work onsite 3 days a week on average. There may be less than 10% of travel.
ResponsibilitiesLead and support a team of contracts professionals and implement strategies to advance critical business objectives.
Provide guidance to develop overarching negotiation strategies and objectives and take action necessary to resolve any impasses between BAE Systems and its customers.
Develop solutions to complex contracting and business issues, which require the regular use of ingenuity and innovation.
Ensure solutions are consistent with organization strategic and operational objectives.
Provide expertise, guidance, training, and leadership to support cross-functional business team members.
Lead discussions and/or briefings with various leadership and other key personnel, participate in complex negotiations, and develop contract management strategies to mitigate risk.
Ensure efficient and effective flow of information among Contracting team, leadership team, cross-functional teams, and/or customer(s) as needed.
Provide direction to team members to address and influence major contractual and business issues encountered in the proposal and execution of contracts of all types and complexity.
Train, motivate, and assist cross functional team members to practice effective scope control strategies to enable early identification of constructive changes that may provide BAE Systems opportunities for equitable adjustments.
Interface with key government contracting and procurement officials as required.
Oversee the recruitment, retention, training, and development of a highly skilled contracts workforce made up of knowledgeable business professionals and support staff.
Proactively manage future career growth opportunities and succession planning, maintaining a highly talented and motivated contracts workforce.
Undertake special assignments as required and perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety objectives and policies.
Required Education, Experience, & SkillsAbility to obtain a Defense Security Clearance
Bachelor's Degree and 6+ years relevant experience or equivalent education/experience
Experience in Contract Administration in Defense
Experience in major defense article acquisition and production contracting
Experience in complex contracts and proposal preparation and execution
Experience in Cost Plus and Fixed Price contracting
Experience engaging at high organizational levels or with persons of influence both internally and externally
Experience mentoring and training junior staff members
Expert knowledge of FAR/DFAR regulations
Proven business negotiator while exercising sound business judgement
Highly developed critical thinking and communication skills with ability to influence and shape favorable business outcomes
Excellent communication, presentation, team-building, and leadership skills, with the ability to perform in a complex cross-functional business environment
Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write clear and concise reports, business correspondence, and policies/procedures
Ability to effect and manage change (both organizational and contractual)
Ability to interact professionally and effectively at all levels of the organization
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, solicitations/RFPs, or governmental regulations
Strong business acumen and experience in risk management
Preferred Education, Experience, & SkillsMaster's Degree/MBA/JD
Certification as CFCM or CPCM (NCMA) or CCM (IACCM)
Previous large, complex proposal development and negotiation experience
Experience in vehicle manufacturing
Self-starter that is proactive and driven
Strong critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
Inquisitive with a desire for continuous learning
Passion for the Contracting profession
Pay InformationFull-Time Salary Range: $99410 - $168997. Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Platforms & ServicesBAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a teammaking a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. The Platforms & Services (P&S) sector under BAE Systems, Inc does the big stuff: the armored combat vehicles, naval guns, missile launchers, and ship repairjust to name a few. Our employees take pride in the work they do and why they do it. They are on the front lines every day, building our products to protect the lives of those who serve. We may be biased, but we think P&S does some of the coolest work around, and we think you will too.
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