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Contracting Officer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Sparks Group

Contracting Officer

Leesburg, VA · On-site +1

$35 - $42/hr

This individual will support Sr. Contracting Officers and internal departments with small purchases, informal solicitations, contract administration, vendor communications, purchase orders, and other ...

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All JobsContracting Officer JobsContracting Officer Jobs in Reston, VA

Contracting Officer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$19.8K

$80.4K

$117.6K

How much do contracting officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contracting officer in Reston, VA is $80,428.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,000.00 and $86,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contracting officer?

Contracting Officers are authorized individuals in government or private organizations responsible for managing and overseeing contracts. They ensure that all contractual agreements comply with laws, regulations, and organizational policies. Their duties include awarding contracts, negotiating terms, monitoring contractor performance, and resolving disputes. Contracting Officers play a crucial role in procurement processes, ensuring transparency, fairness, and value for the organization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a contracting officer?

To thrive as a Contracting Officer, you need strong knowledge of procurement regulations, contract law, and negotiation techniques, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications such as the Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC-C) or DAWIA certification. Familiarity with contract management software, federal acquisition systems, and legal documentation tools is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and strong communication skills help you navigate complex agreements and build trust with stakeholders. These skills ensure contracts are legally compliant, cost-effective, and aligned with organizational goals, minimizing risks and supporting successful project outcomes.

What are common challenges faced by contracting officers when managing multiple contracts simultaneously?

Contracting Officers often juggle several contracts at once, which can present challenges such as prioritizing urgent tasks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining clear communication with vendors and internal stakeholders. Staying organized and detail-oriented is crucial to track deadlines, deliverables, and changes to contract terms while minimizing risks. Effective time management and proactive problem-solving are key skills for navigating these complexities and ensuring all contractual obligations are met efficiently.

What is the difference between Contracting Officer vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContracting OfficerContract Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant certifications (e.g., FAC-C), and experience in procurementUsually needs a bachelor's degree and procurement experience, often with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks in government agencies or large organizations managing procurement processesSupports contracting activities, often within government or defense sectors
Employer & IndustryPrimarily in government, defense, and federal agenciesCommonly in government, defense, and related industries

Contracting Officers and Contract Specialists both work in procurement roles within government and defense sectors. While Contracting Officers have broader authority to sign contracts and make procurement decisions, Contract Specialists support these processes through research, documentation, and assistance. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in the same environments, but Contracting Officers hold more decision-making power.

How do you become a contracting officer?

To become a contracting officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field, along with experience in procurement or contract management. Many agencies require certification such as the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or equivalent, and candidates must pass background checks and security clearances depending on the agency and contract scope.

What are popular job titles related to Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA?

For Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Contracting Officer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Contracting Officer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Contracting Officer job openings:

Contracting Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contracting Officer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,428 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Contracting Officer

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$82K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Summary
Contracting Officers streamline the acquisition process, maximize resources, and negotiate and manage complex contracts such as fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
As a Contracting Officer for CIA, you will be part of a highly motivated team that provides critical support to U.S. national security. Working alongside Agency and other Intelligence Community colleagues, you will apply your business skills to diverse programs for technical collection systems, construction projects, information technology initiatives, and more.
At CIA, only the Contracting Officer is legally authorized to financially obligate the U.S. Government to acquire its products and services. Working in a team environment, you will learn and utilize innovative business practices to streamline the acquisition process and maximize resources. You will also negotiate and manage a wide variety of unique and complex contract types, such as fixed-price and cost-reimbursement contracts, to obtain the best value on behalf of the U.S. Government.
Contracting Officers are hired at various experience levels, from entry to full performance positions. You will be provided with progressively more on-the-job experiences and related training and development programs, enabling you to achieve your career goals while supporting mission needs.
Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • You must be physically in the United States or one of its territories when you submit your resume via MyLINK.
  • You must be registered for the Selective Service, if applicable.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age (dual-national US citizens are eligible).
  • You must be willing to move to the Washington, DC area.
  • You must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/how-we-hire

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
  • Strong analytic and critical thinking skills
  • Exceptional customer service skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Attention to administrative detail
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience with and knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) guidelines and U.S. Government contracting
  • At least one of the following designations
    • Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
    • Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)
    • Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
    • Defense Acquisitions Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certification
  • Federal or military contracting experience
  • Experiences conducting a wide range of acquisition lifecycle activities, including
    • Acquisition planning
    • Contract awarding and closeout activities
    • Source selection
    • Firm fixed-price contracts
    • Cost and price analysis and negotiation experience
    • Cost plus and cost reimbursement
  • Advanced degree in Business, Public Administration, or Law
  • Demonstrated excellent:
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Verbal and written communication skills
    • Customer service

Education
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in one of the following
    • Accounting
    • Business Administration
    • Communications
    • Economics
    • English
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Pre-Law
    • Supply Chain Management
  • At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale

Additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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