Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager
Job Title: Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager
Reports To: General Manager
Company 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.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary $125,000 - $150,000 based on experience and qualifications.
- Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Retirement savings plan with employer match.
- Professional development opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
Contracts & Technical Engineering Manager
PHYSICAL & MENTAL DEMANDS
Physical Demand
Not Applicable
Occasional
Frequent
Constant
Sitting
X
Standing
X
Walking
X
Climbing/Balancing
X
Stooping/Twisting
X
Kneeling
X
Squatting
X
Crawling
X
Push/Pull
X
Reaching
X
Gripping
X
Keyboarding
X
Pinching
X
Neck Rotation/Extension
X
Foot Use
X
Visual Acuity (Near/Far)
X
Lift/Carry
Not Applicable
Occasional
Frequent
Constant
Up to 10 lbs
X
11 to 25 lbs
X
26 to 50 lbs
X
51 to 75 lbs
X
76 to 100 lbs
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Environmental
Not Applicable
Occasional
Frequent
Constant
Uneven Ground
X
Exposure to Dust/Fumes
X
Excessive Noise
X
Exposure to Biohazards
X
Extreme Temperatures
X
Exposure to Hazards
X
Working at Heights
X
Working with Machinery
X
Mental Demand
Not Applicable
Occasional
Frequent
Constant
Comprehension
X
Organization
X
Reasoning/Decision Making
X
Communication
X
Resilience
X
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Physical and Mental Efforts:
General: Mobility required, some moderate to heavy lifting. Position requires ability to lift objects weighing up to than 50 pounds occasionally; walking and standing for long durations; see objects closely; and hear normal sounds with some background noises. Position requires ability to concentrate with some interruption and attend to tasks for 45 to 60 minutes at a time.
Environmental and Working Conditions:
Industrial shop setting. Dust, dirt, metal debris from manufacturing will be encountered. Moderate levels of noise will be encountered.